When it was announced that Victor Radley was set to be included in Shaun Wane’s England squad many were frustrated.
It wasn’t the first time that a player born down under was set to be a key part of an England squad or Great Britain squad.
After all, Rangi Chase was central to the last Rugby League World Cup held in England whilst Blake Austin and Jackson Hastings were included in Wayne Bennett’s Great Britain squad back in 2019.
However, the inclusion of Radley like all those that have gone before him was divisive and had Leeds legend and Great Britain international Gary Schoefield claiming that it was wrong for Radley to be included.
However, another former Great Britain international and a Wigan great Martin Offiah has hit back at these claims believing that Radley deserves to play for England as much as anyone else.
He said to the Canberra Times, “I don’t sit on the same side as that. We live in a diverse world in 2022.
“The way Victor has been playing, he’s sung the anthem, given blood and sweat and put in some great performances and you can’t look past that.”
Radley has been a stand out performer for England during the tournament especially with his effort and tenacity.
He was the Man of the Match in the opening game which had Jon Wilkin pushing back against Schoefield’s claims and then in his second game scored and claimed an assist.
Tomorrow is set to be an emotional day for Radley as he plays in Sheffield which is where his family is from.
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