SCOTT TAYLOR admits there are other bragging rights at stake this evening just as important as cross-border pride.
The England prop is braced for a Scottish Four Nations onslaught from pals Lewis Tierney and hooker Liam Hood.
Hull FC ace Taylor, 25, knows all about winger Tierney and hooker Hood from his days at other Super League clubs.
And he knows they cannot be taken lightly at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena especially Hood.
Taylor said: “I played with Lewis at Wigan and Liam at Salford. Liam throws himself about for a little bloke.
“That shot he put on Matt Moylan against Australia was good to see. He’s a firecracker of a player and a good lad.
“If we get the chance to play against each other I’m sure it will be a good laugh out there. Scotland have got some good players I know Matty Russell as well, as he knocked around with the Wigan boys a lot when I was there.
“They deserve to be in the Four Nations with the squad they’ve got. It will be a really tough game.”
Leigh ace Hood, 24, admits a number of England players are in his sights.
He said: “You have to go out with the physical approach against all three teams.
“Australia had some big bodies in their team last weekend England and New Zealand are as big if not bigger.
“I think the way we need to be heading is to be aggressive and not let them do what they want.
“This is the biggest game in the Four Nations for us as it’s a rivalry between neighbours.
“I’ve played with a few of the England boys and will be playing against a couple of friends so I just cannot wait to get out on to the field.”
England have to beat Scotland and Australia next week to have a hope of reaching the Four Nations final.
Taylor missed out in the 17-16 defeat by New Zealand, but will come in for the injured James Graham.
And he already has the backing of coach Wayne Bennett (below) after his debut against France in Avignon.
Taylor added: “He said I was tremendous and it was one of my best performances all season from what he’d seen.”
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