Blake Austin reveals why now the time is right for him to switch international allegiance
Photo courtesy of Richard Long
Blake Austin says the main reason why he wants to pull on the England jersey is to represent his grandmother.
The Australian-born half-back has revealed he approached the Rugby Football League to inform them he would like to represent England as if he is eligible through his English grandmother.
Austin admitted that he has wanted to play for England for a while, but wants to do so even more since joining Warrington at the start of 2019.
He told Sky Sports: “Certainly no-one from the England set-up went out of their way to change my allegiance.
“Whether people believe this or not, it’s something I’ve wanted to do and had a desire to do for quite a while now. I’ve maintained the whole way through that I haven’t wanted to disrespect anyone involved in the set-up, but there are a few parts of this.
“I’m eligible; this country has played such a huge part in my grandmother’s life, she’s a special lady to me and the strongest woman I’ve ever come across, and she owes a lot to this country for making her; and finally I’m playing in this country and contributing to the game over here.
“That’s why I feel the time is right to make that switch.”
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