Danny Addy and Dale Ferguson are praying for a Tonga victory over Italy tomorrow as they bid to continue their amazing World Cup adventure with Scotland.

The Bulls duo have enjoyed outstanding tournaments for the Bravehearts, helping Steve McCormack’s unfancied side to two wins and a draw in their group stage games.

And yet that may not be enough to carry them into the knockout stages.

The Scots are currently two points in front of Italy, who have a superior points difference and will secure a quarter-final against New Zealand at Headingley next Friday if they beat the Tongans tomorrow.

Addy has been a revelation in the tournament after being handed a surprise call-up, and will watch tomorrow’s game at The Shay in Halifax with the rest of the Scotland squad at their team hotel.

The Bulls back-rower started in the centres during Thursday’s 20-8 win over the USA Tomahawks but later made an effective switch to hooker.

“We always had the belief that we could do something at this World Cup,” said Addy.

“We’ve thrived off being underdogs and the team spirit we have in this camp is just unbelievable.

“We’re all good mates and over these past few weeks we have really gelled together.

“I think that has showed on the pitch in the three games we’ve played, especially as we came back from 8-0 down to win convincingly on Thursday night.”

Scotland were written off as no-hopers before the tournament began but their stirring displays so far have made people sit up and take notice.

McCormack has fashioned a highly-motivated squad, drawing players from Super League and the NRL to make the Bravehearts a force to be reckoned with.

The gusto with which Addy and his team-mates belted out ‘Flower of Scotland’ before kick-off on Thursday said much for the spirit within their ranks.

“We’ve been together for three or four weeks now and, although we lost Ben Fisher to injury during the warm-up on Thursday, Andrew Henderson stepped in and we did it for each other,” said Addy, who played in every Super League match for the Bulls last season.

“On a personal level, I’m happy to play in any position I’m asked because I just want to do a job for this team.

“I started at centre on Thursday and ended up at hooker, but I don’t mind.

“We’re just hoping and praying Tonga can get a result against Italy now. To play New Zealand in a quarter-final at Headingley would be awesome.”

Ferguson, meanwhile, has similarly enjoyed a fine tournament in the second row and demonstrated the quality which prompted Bulls coach Francis Cummins to sign him from Huddersfield on a two-year deal.

“The boys firmly believed we were going to be quite successful at this World Cup,” said Ferguson, who played a key role in helping to bring Addy into Scotland’s squad.

“And rightly so – we have got two wins and a draw from our three group games.

“Hopefully the result will go our way at Halifax tomorrow and we make it into the quarter-finals.

“It’s been massive for my career to play in this tournament because you’re playing against world-class players in every game and comparing yourself to them.

“Hopefully we can progress but if not then I’m a Bradford Bulls player and am looking forward to starting there.”

On the performances of Addy during the World Cup, Ferguson added: “He’s been class and I knew he would be.

“As soon as we discovered his eligibility, I spoke to Steve and helped to get Danny in the squad.”