Monday 29th September 08

Scotland have been hit by the withdrawal of engage Super League players Daniel Heckenberg and Rhys Lovegrove from their World Cup squad.

Harlequins Rugby League prop Heckenberg, who played in all three of Scotland’s matches in the 2000 World Cup, and Hull Kingston Rovers centre or second-rower Lovegrove have both pulled out because of injury.

The Scots have also withdrawn Wigan Warriors winger Mark Calderwood after his call-up into England’s train-on squad.

He is not guaranteed to make the final cut but Scotland manager Richard Thewlis said: “We only want players who are committed to Scotland so he’s out of our squad.”

Coach Steve McCormack’s initial 40-strong squad was already hit by the loss of Workington back-rower Iain Marsh, with a broken arm, while Richard Fletcher (Widnes), Spencer Miller (Whitehaven) and Graeme Horne (Hull FC) all pulled out for personal reasons.

McCormack is set to name his final 24-man squad on October 8.