England want the best possible 17 no matter “how daft their accents”
Sydney-born Victor Radley, who has now pledged his allegiance to England, in action for the Junior Kangaroos against France in 2019
England skipper Sam Tomkins believes that Sydney loose forward Victor Radley is a great inclusion in the squad and has the players’ backing.
The 24-year old has pledged to “bleed for England” after revealing his intention to represent Shaun Wane’s side at this year’s World Cup. In doing so he has sacrificed any chance of playing State of Origin or for Australia in future, and Tomkins says that demonstrates his commitment.
“We don’t want to be a team of players who can’t play for their main country wanting to play for England,” Tomkins told Love Rugby League. “All I know is that his dad is from Sheffield and he wants to represent that side of his family.
“I remember Pat Richards playing for Ireland and it was a running joke that he was an Aussie not Irish. But when you meet Pat and speak to his mum she sounds like she arrived from Ireland yesterday. You realise he is Irish, with as much Irish blood in him as Aussie.
“We just want the best possible 17 in England jerseys and it doesn’t matter how daft their accent is!”
JAMMER: James Graham reacts to Victor Radley commitment to England
Sam Tomkins on the new England kit
Tomkins has also backed the controversial new England kit for the tournament, which has ditched the traditional red and white in favour of navy blue. Some critics have likened it to a Scotland jersey.
“It is a little bit blue but once we have all got over the colour I think it is a great kit,” Tomkins adds on the brand new Love Rugby League Podcast.
“Kits become famous and memories are built through what performances are put out in them. If we win the World Cup that will be the most bought shirt and up on bedroom walls for decades.
“Let’s not worry about the colour, let’s focus on what we can do in it. If we are lifting the World Cup wearing those jerseys, then every kid will want one.”
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