13 NRL players that would be eligible for England for Shaun Wane to consider

Whilst lots of Super League-based players are competing for a spot in Shaun Wane’s Ashes squad at the end of the year, there are also a number of NRL players who are eligible.

Some would have to apply for a nationality change with the International Rugby League board, but AJ Brimson’s success on that front this week might just set a precedent.

Whilst often playing in the NRL is seen as the pinnacle, it’s also not a given that NRL-based players make an international squad.

When you throw in the former Super League players who are currently playing in Australia, the future of the England national team looks bright ahead of the Ashes series.

With that being said, here are 13 players in the NRL who are eligible to play for England.

13 NRL players who are eligible to play for England

AJ Brimson

With his mother born in England, Brimson has been able to switch his nationality to English ahead of the winter Ashes series. He’s played nine games at stand-off for Gold Coast Titans this season but has also featured at fullback.

Who’s his biggest competition? Mikey Lewis, Jake Connor, and George Williams could all be vying for the number six shirt for the Ashes but Brimson’s versatility could get him a spot in Shaun Wane’s squad.

Max King

Canterbury Bulldogs forward Max King was born in England when dad David was playing at Huddersfield Giants and has been one of the NRL’s most consistent forwards this season so would be a big coo for England. Many of England’s forward pack have been out of form in 2025 or injured so King could stand a good chance if Wane makes the call before Mal Meninga does.

Who’s his biggest competition? As a starting prop for Canterbury, Ethan Havard, Matty Lees, Mike McMeeken, Luke Thompson and Tom Burgess would be the biggest rivals for King competing for the same spots.

KL Iro

Born in England, KL Iro’s dad, Kevin, was playing at St Helens when he was born. He currently has eight caps for the Cook Islands but could switch if called upon. Iro himself was unaware that he was eligible to represent England in a recent interview but would be open to the opportunity.

Who’s his biggest competition? At centre, he’s in for a tough fight amongst Herbie Farnworth, Jake Wardle and Oliver Gildart, who are all arguably in better form than Iro right now.

Sam Walker

Sam Walker’s England representation has been talked about for some time but whilst unlikely, he registers for England through birth as his dad was playing at Leeds Rhinos when he was born. However, he suffered an ACL injury at the end of the 2024 season, so he would be cutting it close to be fit for the Ashes series.

Who’s his biggest competition? Whilst he can cover at both six and seven, scrum-half is his preferred position, playing the entire 2024 NRL there for the Roosters. That means a fight with Harry Smith, who looks set to cement the number seven jersey for the foreseeable future.

Lewis Symonds

Lewis Symonds was born in England and is currently playing for the Dolphins on a development contract for 2025. Whilst he’s yet to make his NRL debut, the 19-year-old could be one for future England squads.

Who’s his biggest competition? With John Bateman, Liam Farrell, Junior Nsemba, Ben Currie, Kai Pearce-Paul and Matty Nicholson to compete with, it looks unlike that Symonds would be ready for a senior call-up just yet.

Ethan Strange

The Canberra Raiders halfback has played in every round of the NRL this season in the number six jersey and qualifies for England through his mother, and his sister, Jasmin, who currently plays for NRLW side Sydney Roosters, would love to represent England. Brother Ethan has never commented on which country he’d rather represent.

Who’s his biggest competition? If he wants to play at six as he has done this season, he’ll not only be up against Mikey Lewis, Jake Connor, and George Williams but also AJ Brimson, who’s already switched his nationality.

Blayke Brailey

Another player whose parents were born in England is Blayke Brailey. The 26-year-old has been a stalwart for Cronulla Sharks, playing 146 games since his debut in 2019. Whilst he was born in Sydney, he could be tempted to switch to England for a chance at international caps.

Who’s his biggest competition? Battling with Daryl Clark, Jez Litten and Danny Walker would usually be a massive challenge with Walker currently out through injury and Clark under-performing at St Helens, Litten is his fiercest rival for a starting hooker spot. Litten has arguably been one of the best players in Super League in 2025 so Brailey would probably have to settle for a bench spot.

Jayden Brailey

Balyke’s older brother, Jayden, is another who could be tempted by the international switch. However, with competition against his brother, it’s unlikely both would make Shaun Wane’s squad for the Ashes. Brailey is set to join Canberra Raiders from Newcastle Knights in 2026 so he could potentially get more game time elsewhere.

Who’s his biggest competition? His brother, who starts far more games than him. He’d also have to compete with the above Super League trio so it looks unlikely that Wane will be giving him a call. However, it’s not impossible if injuries occur.

Keano Kini

The fullback is unlikely to make the Ashes squad after suffering a neck injury in round 3 of the NRL. He’s expected to miss the full season but could catch Wane’s eye ahead of the World Cup. The Gold Coast Titans fullback was born in New Zealand but is of Maori, Samoan and English heritage so has plenty of choice when it comes to international duty.

Who’s his biggest competition? As a fullback, he has to compete with Jack Welsby, who has become England’s number one over recent years. Although not in his best form, Welsby is most likely to be starting fullback in the Ashes but Kini could definitely be a solid back-up in the coming years.

Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui

Iszac Fa’asuamaleau qualifies for England through his English grandfather. Brother Tino would also qualify but he’s already played for Australia’s senior side so is ineligible for England. Iszac, however, is another Gold Coast player who could be tempted by a phone call from Shaun Wane. He’s currently struggling to get into the Titans’ line-up on a regular basis, meaning he’s probably off Wane’s radar currently.

Who’s his biggest competition? As a prop, his main rival will be Max King, who’s arguably in much better form. As mentioned earlier, there are some big-name props also playing in Super League so he would have big shoes to fill.

Kai O’Donnell

The former Leigh Leopards man could play for England as his mother is from Newcastle. After a couple of successful seasons at the Leopards, O’Donnell headed back to the NRL and is currently plying his trade at North Queensland Cowboys. However, in the second row, England already have so many options.

Who’s his biggest competition? It’s likely that Shaun Wane will start Junior Nsemba and Matty Nicholson in the second row for the Ashes series but there’s always a bench spot up for grabs. However, O’Donnell would have to have the season of his life to impress Wane.

Jackson Hastings

He might be out of favour at Newcastle Knights right now but most fans of Super League know of his quality. However, with no playing time in 2025, he will need a move elsewhere to even be considered by Shaun Wane ahead of the Ashes, whether that’s in the NRL or a move back to the UK, which would only work in his favour.

Who’s his biggest competition? Last season in the NRL, he played at scrum-half, so could he be an alternative to Harry Smith?

Victor Radley

One of Wane’s favourite players since his international switch has been Victor Radley. He featured in both of last year’s internationals against Samoa, which gives us a good indication that he’ll be in the squad for the Ashes series later in the year.

Who’s his biggest competition? In Super League, Morgan Knowles has been the standout loose forward for some time but Morgan Smithies is consistently putting in good performances in the NRL. Whilst Radley could deputise at hooker, loose forward is definitely his best position.