A player described as the “most influential number nine currently playing in the NRL” could represent England in this year’s rugby league Ashes.
The return of the Ashes for the first time in over 20 years has already seen some big stories emerge with one of those recently resolved after Australia appointed Kevin Walters as their head coach, following Mal Meninga’s shock move back to club coaching.
Meninga will lead the newest NRL side, the Perth Bears, and that’s seen him step away from the national set-up with ex-Brisbane coach Walters called in as his replacement.
Talk has also revolved around eligibility with State of Origin one of the main factors. As it stands, players who represent a tier one nation other than Australia (New Zealand or England) cannot play for their state.
Max King, who qualifies for England, represented New South Wales this year but if he were to play for England in the Ashes then he would be disqualified from donning a Blues’ shirt in the future.
Now, one of those players tipped for a Blues’ shirt in the future, and possibly even a Kangaroos’ jersey, is facing a similar dilemma.
NRL captain warns Australia about star’s English heritage
Cronulla Sharks hooker Blayke Brailey is eligible to represent England and it’s being reported that a snub from the Aussies this autumn could see him make himself available to Shaun Wane and England.
Eligible to play for England due to his mother being born in Liverpool, Brailey would add plenty as a nine with The Daily Telegraph labelling him as the “most influential no.9 currently playing in the NRL”.
That form is seeing him touted as New South Wales’ new number nine, however, that would go out of the window should he play for England, something which is reportedly a possibility.
The Telegraph report that Brailey’s brother, Jayden, has made himself available for England selection and that Blayke could follow suit.
Sharks’ captain Cameron McInnes spoke about the possibility of Brailey choosing to represent his mother’s heritage, arguing that his teammate should be pushing for a Kangaroos’ jersey.
McInnes said: “I know he’s got English heritage as well, so they (Australia) might have to snap him up quickly, otherwise the other mob might take him.
“Within these walls (at Cronulla) we know how great he is. He’s always been so valuable to do us and I’m so glad he’s getting that recognition.”
Danny Walker, when fit, would likely be the number nine for England but Daryl Clark and Jez Litten are considerations as well, though Brailey would certainly find himself in the mix if he were to declare for England.
