Victor Radley happy with England decision despite the pull of Origin

Victor Radley says he is happy he’s made the “right decision” to represent England despite it ending his chances of playing in State of Origin.

The Sydney Roosters forward opted to represent his English heritage at the World Cup. He qualifies for England through his father Nigel, who hails from Sheffield.

But because England are a tier one nation, that means Radley will no longer be able to play for New South Wales in State of Origin. He won’t be able to represent Australia either, the country of his birth.

Radley has made no secret of the fact that he went with his heart rather than his head when deciding to represent England.

“Obviously I can’t play Origin anymore which I’m happy with now,” Radley told the BBC 5 Live Rugby League Podcast.

“I know I’ve made the right decision since I’ve come over here so that was a big one, not missing that opportunity.

“A lot of people were saying ‘you can play Origin, you get paid well to play Origin’ which I hadn’t done yet but that was pretty much the big one to tell you the truth. Obviously in my mind it would be smarter to do that or what not. But I just didn’t have the same feeling that I did when I thought about playing in the World Cup for England.

“I haven’t really made decisions with my head my whole life so I just went with that feeling in my chest. I’m stoked now I’m over here, I’m loving it.”

Victor Radley confident England can win the World Cup

Radley has impressed in his first three games in an England jersey. Coach Shaun Wane picked him out for praise in Saturday’s 42-18 win over France.

And the Sydney-born forward believes the English can go all the way in the tournament.

“I knew the standard of players was going to be high,” he added. “But it’s blown me away with how tough and fast they are.

“I think it’s part of the England culture that you go hard no matter what. I’ve felt that with Waney and all the players at training just go so hard and they won’t stop. No matter how tired these boys are, they don’t have any give in them.

“That’s been a big one… How hard they work and how fit and mentally strong they are which I thought they would be. But I’ve been blown away with how strong the team are mentally and physically. That’s why I think we are going to win the World Cup.”

England face Greece in their final group game at Bramall Lane in Sheffield on Saturday. Radley’s dad, Nigel, will be watching on from the terraces in his home city.

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