Upper Hunter rugby league product Lachlan Walmsley admits he’s “extremely proud” to make his Test debut for Scotland against Jamaica this weekend.

In fact, when the 22-year-old runs onto Millenium Stadium with the rest of the Bravehearts, it will fulfil a long-term ambition.

Even though the team is missing ex-NRL stars Lachlan Coote and Kane Linnett, due to injury, the Merriwa Magpies junior will still line-up alongside the likes of Dale Ferguson, Ryan Brierley, Kieran Buchanan, London Broncos hooker Rob Oakley and York Knights prop Jack Teanby to tackle the Reggae Warriors on 24 October.

“I’ve had the goal of representing Scotland since being a young fella,” he said.

“So, to be named in the final 20-man squad is a dream come true.

“It gives me a chance to impress the coaching staff for next year’s World Cup as that’s the main aim.

“But, to be able to represent my Scottish heritage for my family… that makes me prouder than ever.

“We have strong ties over there.

“Mum’s (Jane) side is Scottish, dad’s (Simon) is probably some sort of UK heritage, too.

“However, it goes a lot further.

“My grandpa was born in Scotland but migrated to Australia when he was a young adult as a 10-pound Pom to work in Merriwa.”

The Scone Thoroughbreds premiership-winner, who also enjoyed a successful stint with the South Newcastle Lions in the Real NRL, will join Buchanan, Charlie Emslie, Guy Graham, Oakley and Teanby as the new boys in the squad.

And, they’re all itching to rip in.

“I go into camp on Friday staying down in Wakefield,” Walmsley said.

“We will spend two days together getting things adjusted in readiness for a tough showdown with Jamaica.

“Everyone’s excited.

“It’s been almost two seasons since Scotland’s last international match due to COVID-19.”

Thanks to some eye-catching finishes and dazzling performances for Whitehaven, winning the Betfred Championship Entertainer of the Year award, Walmsley is keen to replicate that form on the big stage.

But, he’s expecting a tough, fast encounter.

“No game of rugby league is easy,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“With the Reggae Warriors already having a match under the belt from last week against England RL, I’m sure they’re more than ready for the battle against us, especially with a few Super League faces and Championship quality players.”

Scotland head coach Nathan Graham agrees with Walmsley’s assessment.

“It was tough to pick a squad of 20, but I’m confident we have the personnel to perform well on Sunday,” he said.

“We have a lot of newcomers to the group.

“I am looking forward to seeing what they can bring to the mix.

“However, I’m still well aware of the challenge that awaits us.

“Looking at last weekend’s game, I’m sure Jamaica will have a point to prove.

“They will be very committed and have a good amount of experienced players from the Super League and Championship.

“It’s the ideal test for us and gives us the chance to have a good hit-out in preparation for next year’s World Cup.”

• Scotland Bravehearts (final squad): Danny Addy, James Bell, Ryan Brierley (VC), Kieran Buchanan, Davey Dixon, Charlie Emslie, Dale Ferguson (C), Guy Graham, Ben Hellewell, Liam Hood, Ben Kavanagh, Sam Luckley, Joe McClean, Kieran Moran, Will Oakes, Rob Oakley, Jack Teanby, Oscar Thomas, Alex Walker, Lachlan Walmsley

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