Manly winger Michael Robertson is vying to represent his ancestral home of Scotland at this year's Rugby League World Cup.

The 25-year-old's ancestry papers have been approved by the Rugby Football League (RFL), making him eligible for selection for the Scottish side.

Robertson's late grandfather, Robert Robertson, was born in Scotland and later moved to Australia.

"My grandfather was proud of his heritage and I am really excited about getting the chance to represent him and my family," the ex-Raiders winger said in a statement.

"It is also a great opportunity to play in such a prestigious event and to gain representative honours."

Robertson, who debuted with the Raiders in 2001 before moving to the Sea Eagles in 2005, was equal top try scorer and averaged 80 minutes per game in 27 matches last season.

Robertson is one of several NRL players available for selection for Scotland who will face France in Canberra on day two of the Cup (Oct 26) and Fiji at the Central Coast (Nov 5).

Others include Keith Galloway (Wests Tigers), Chris Armit (Canterbury Bulldogs) and Ian Henderson (NZ Warriors).

However, selection to the Scottish side isn't a guarantee, Scotland manager Richard Thewlis said.

"The World Cup has generated massive interest here in the UK and overseas if the enquires regarding eligibility to play that I have received are anything to go by," Thewlis said.

"The process that we are undertaking in the Scotland camp is to widen and add depth to the pool of talent that we have available to select from and the additions of Michael and Keith to our roster are very welcome."

Countries have until August 1 to submit a 40-man squad and October 7 to submit the final 23 or 24-man playing list. World Cup officials will check the eligibility status of all players.

The Rugby League World Cup kicks off on October 25 with a clash between England and Papua New Guinea in Townsville, with the official Opening Ceremony in Sydney on October 26.

Ten nations will compete across three states and the ACT, playing 18 matches in their quest to become World Champions, a title Australia has held since 1975.

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