Scotland's rising rugby league players could be handed a dream ticket to take part in England's top knockout tournament.
That was the amazing incentive handed out yesterday to the eight teams who will contest this season's Scottish title.
League chiefs north and south of the border are in favour of the idea, which would see the tartan champions line up with Super League big guns like Bradford Bulls, London Broncos and Sheffield Eagles in next season's Silk Cut Challenge Cup.
The proposal could be rubber-stamped before the league season kick's off next weekend.
Scottish chief Clive Mason said: ''We're determined to take the game in Scotland on to a new level, and giving our champions this sort of stage would be a tremendous boost.''
Peter Rowe, the Rugby League's spokesman in England, confirmed: ''I'm confident the idea will get the green light.
''Ireland's champions were allowed in last season, and I don't see any reason why the same shouldn't happen for Scotland.''
Holders Lomond Valley Raiders will have to overcome three new teams if they are to retain their title as the game blossoms north of the border.
Meanwhile, the Scots take on Ireland in an amateur clash at Kilmarnock tomorrow.
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