Manu flattered by England call

Hull back-rower Willie Manu says he is flattered to be recognised by England, after his eligibility for the national team was confirmed.

Manu, 30, qualifies through the residency ruling, despite having previously played for Tonga, who he played for during the 2008 World Cup.

He said: “Whilst I will always be proud of my Tongan heritage, I am honoured to have been recognised by the England national team.

“I was flattered to receive the call from Steve McNamara to join the players this week and if I was to be given the chance to play at this level it would be something I would have to consider.
 
“To play alongside the best players in the English game whilst challenging the strongest players from the world of Rugby League and testing yourself at the highest level is the aim of every professional sportsmen and if selected for England, this would give me the chance to do that.”

Manu was named in a 37-man England party that was put through their paces by the Royal Marines in Liverpool earlier this week, and is in contention for England‘s Four Nations campaign Down Under this autumn.