Roosters lock Victor Radley turns back on Kangaroos, Blues to represent England at World Cup
Roosters star Victor Radley has all but turned his back on Blues eligibility by electing to represent England at the 2022 World Cup.
Radley spent time with England coach Shaun Wane while the latter was in the country, and has informed RFL officials in England of his intention to play for the Three Lions.
Radley's eligibility to play for England is through his father Nigel, who is from Sheffield, which will also play host to England's last three group matches.
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Once Radley plays for England - a tier one nation - he will be ineligible for State of Origin selection, or for the Kangaroos.
Radley told NRL.com he wanted to play for England for his dad.
"It's something I've always wanted to do," he said.
"I've always wanted to play for England for my old man. Everybody wants to do the right thing by their dad, don't they?
Victor Radley of the Roosters passes during the round three NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Sydney Roosters at Accor Stadium, on March 25, 2022, in Sydney, Australia. Photo: Mark Evans Getty
"Dad's proud of where he's from, proud of his family, proud of supporting Sheffield Wednesday.
"This was a gut feeling that it's what I want to do – and with the World Cup coming up in England at the end of this year, it was now or never.
"If I ended up sitting there watching the World Cup and knowing I could have been playing for England – that wouldn't have felt good."
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Victor Radley of the Roosters is tackled. Getty
Wane said he was open to picking players "who want to represent their English heritage", but that they had to be "outstanding in their position, and 100 per cent committed".
"I rate Victor Radley very highly as a player, and he's a great addition to the options we have in a position where we have some really strong contenders. We need quality in depth in every position, and Victor is a big addition to that."
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