England set for possible Ashes blow as in-form man set for Origin call-up

England could be about to lose one of their most in-form NRL players from the selection pool for this year’s Ashes, with Max King set to earn a State of Origin call-up – leaving him with a decision to make on his representative future.

King has been outstanding for Canterbury Bulldogs so far in 2025, playing an integral role in their run to the top of the NRL ladder.

He has repeatedly admitted he would be open to representing either England – the nation of his mother’s birth – or Australia at international level, effectively allowing fate to run its course and choosing whoever calls him first.

But it remains to be seen whether or not an England call-up is still feasible after he was drafted into the Blues squad for the opener.

The NRL’s rules around Origin dictate that any player who has represented England or New Zealand cannot receive a call-up for either state. That means players like Herbie Farnworth cannot play for Queensland despite expressing an interest to do so.

King’s call would be unique though, because it would be the first example of a player getting an Origin call and then potentially ruling himself out for further inclusions.

Should he play for the Blues at the end of this month, King would then have to decide whether or not he wants to continue a representative career in Origin or accept an England call if one came his way.

If he chose England, the NRL’s rulings mean he would not be able to play for New South Wales again – despite having, in all likelihood, played for them just months earlier.

It is a bizarre set of circumstances which sum up the chaos and disparity between international regulations and the NRL’s rulings.

But Blues coach Laurie Daley has reportedly selected the prop to feature in the 17 that will take to the field for the opening game of the series.

King previously said that his mother’s family were keen for him to honour his English heritage if possible and play for the national team – but he also had similar interest from the other side of his family about an Australia Test jersey.

He said: “I always say the same… my mum’s English, and her side would love for me to play (for England).

“My dad is Aussie, he’d love me to do something there. My phone is on, whoever calls me first. It hasn’t rung for anything.”