Scotland’s prospects for the forthcoming Four Nations Series and next year’s Rugby League World Cup have been boosted by the arrival at Leeds Rhinos of former Australian Kangaroos prop Keith Galloway.
The dual-qualified prop, who has won five caps for the land of his birth, is dual-qualified because his father is a Scot who emigrated Down Under in his twenties and has long been a target of Steve McCormack, Scotland’s head coach.
The 30-year-old was keen to take up the invitation at the last World Cup in England in 2013, where Scotland were very much the tournament’s surprise package, but was ruled out through injury.
Vastly experienced the timing of his arrival in the UK could hardly be better for the national team and, having been part of the Australia team that beat England in a Four Nations Series final in Leeds, at Elland Road in 2011, he has made clear his intentions of facing both those countries in the competition which also features world no.1 side New Zealand.
“If everything goes to plan and my body’s feeling good, I’ll put my hand up to play for them,” said Galloway, who formerly played in the NRL with West Tigers and has also represented New South Wales in State of Origin matches, told Australia’s news.com.
““I’ve been wanting to play for them in the past but I’ve just had injuries at the wrong time. I met up with Steve in Australia last year and I’ve spoken to him since then.
“My father came over to Australia when he was in his 20s. I’m Australian but I’m proud of my Scottish ancestry and it would mean a lot to my family and myself if I could pull on that jersey.”
Before that opportunity arises in the autumn, however, Galloway has a huge job to do in seeking to help his new club fill the void left in their pack by the retirements of fellow import Kylie Leuluai, their longest-serving overseas player and Jamie Peacock
Galloway’s more immediate thoughts are on helping the Rhinos defend the three trophies they won in 2015.
He has inherited the number eight shirt worn with distinction by the club’s longest-serving overseas player, Kylie Leuluai, and will also be helping to fill the void created by the retirement of Jamie Peacock, the England and Great Britain international who is one of the greats of the game.
However he is determined to do it his way.
“They’re big boots to fill,” Galloway admitted.
“I’m not going to be a Jamie Peacock, he’s been a legend of this club and the game for a long time I’m going to be a Keith Galloway.
“As long as the coach is happy and the team is happy with how I’m playing, I’ll be happy.”
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