Another Roosters star pledges his allegiance to England

Sydney Morning Herald

2 days ago

Billy Smith is poised to follow Roosters teammate Victor Radley in representing England during the upcoming Kangaroos tour – as it emerged Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is also eligible for the Lions.
International eligibility has become a hot topic after Kangaroos forward Payne Haas indicated he will switch to Samoa, with Fa'asuamaleaui considering doing likewise. League officials have indicated the current eligibility rules – which preclude players representing tier-one nations England and New Zealand from being selected for State of Origin – will be reviewed before next year's World Cup.
Some powerbrokers feel it's unfair that Radley is blocked from being picked for NSW because he has played for England, at a time when tier-two nations including Samoa and Tonga are often just as strong as tier-one countries Australia, New Zealand and England.
In a huge boost for England as they prepare to host the first Kangaroos Ashes tour since 2003, Smith has told coach Shaun Wane he wants to honour his English heritage by playing in the series.
'Billy Smith contacted me, and I do like it when players contact me to express their desire to represent England,' Wane said. 'I'm very grateful for that and, like Victor Radley, it's a sign that he wants to play for England. It goes a long way.
'I do rate him. I'm a big fan of the NRL and all of the quality athletes playing in it. Billy Smith is one of the best athletes, he's a great centre and he would be a great asset. I like that he has contacted me, that means a lot, and I will be pursuing it.'
Smith made his NRL debut in 2019, but a luckless run of injuries has restricted him to just 40 first-grade appearances. Despite three ACLs, a lisfranc issue, a serious shoulder injury, a fractured jaw and an ankle complaint, Smith has fought his way into Trent Robinson's Roosters side.
Wane said he was impressed at how Smith has been able to overcome the setbacks.