Rise and shine for McCormack’s Bravehearts

Oct 30 2008 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

STEVE McCormack restarted his Rugby League World Cup campaign early – after giving his Scotland Bravehearts players two days’ rest in Sydney.

The Scottish and Widnes Vikings head coach wasted little time in getting back into full training with a tough run along Coogee Beach at 7am today local time.

Then the squad, which includes Vikings stars John Duffy, Iain Morrison and Lee Paterson, went through a video review session of Sunday’s defeat to France at Canberra Stadium.

As preparations continued for the Bravehearts’ Bonfire Night clash with Fiji at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford, it was then on to the team bus for a training session at OKI Jubilee Oval.

Better known to all in rugby league as Kogarah Oval, this is one of the home grounds of NRL team, St George-Illawarra Dragons

“To train on a superb field like this and to be able to use the excellent facilities here is just a real buzz for the players,''

said McCormack.

The Dragons will return to play six home games at Kogarah Oval in 2009 after the ground was closed this year for major renovations.