Victor Radley has opened up on the process behind his decision to represent England at the upcoming 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
Speaking to James Graham on his The Bye Round podcast, Radley said that he let his heart rule his head after suffering an ankle injury earlier this year that left him sidelined.
“I always had it in the back of my mind but I didn’t bring it to the forefront up until I did my syndemosis,” Radley told Graham.
“I remember having small conversations about it, but when I did that I was out for six weeks so I thought it was a good time. I started brewing on it and I had this gut feeling that I wanted to play for England, I really wanted to play for England.
Radley qualifies through his Sheffield-born father Nigel, though he was born and raised in Sydney. He revealed that he had discussed putting his hand up for the World Cup hosts with the staff at the Roosters before calling England coach Shaun Wane to let him know he was available.
“I spoke to Robbo about it, and my Dad and Mum and some other people, like Kingy and Rylesy (Matt King and Jason Ryles, Roosters assistants) and got some good advice,” said Radley.
“I gave myself a few months to sit on it. I thought about it a fair bit and I couldn’t go past the feeling I had in my chest and my gut about playing for them. My head was saying Origin.
“There was so much going in my head but I just decided that I didn’t get here from my head, I can tell you that for free. I didn’t have plans to play in the NRL, I was happy being a carpenter and playing footy. So I thought screw it, I’m not listening to my head, I’m going with my chest and my gut.
“(Luke) Keary was big on that too: he said ‘mate, back your gut’. People might say your gut is wrong but I don’t really care. This is what I’ve decided to do and I’m so stoked with the decision now. I can’t wait.
mushi
Roar Guru
Yeah I can't find anything on here criticising the decision
mushi
Roar Guru
So basically like every other year for poor ol' Vic
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Great he’s made his decision but does he think he’s an automatic selection for the poms? They may want 13 blokes on the field for most of the game
uglykiwi
Roar Pro
Born to play origin! If fit; should of been first player picked for origin 3. No way the blues lose if he played. They needed someone that had aggression! I reckon something happened in that origin camp and he decided it wasn’t for him. (Just speculation… but it should have been his dream to play for NSW). Huge lose for the blues.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
I don’t mind his decision. My only suggestion would be for Victor to go and play a few games in the UK league. Not in 10 years time.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
What backlash?
up in the north
Roar Rookie
I don't know if Radley has ever been selected for any Australian teams, so I'm wondering if he believes he's no chance of being selected so he's nominating for the old dart early to appear like he prefers England more.
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
This is correct - he is making himself ineligible for Australia and NSW. It would be different if he was playing for a tier 2 country.
Tony
Roar Guru
I believe that is correct John. You can't go from one Tier 1 country to another as far as I know
Tony
Roar Guru
:laughing:
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Tony. You may know the answer. Cricketers have been able to represent a second country although that was subject to “qualifying criteria” e.g. Kepler Wessels moving to Australia. Once Victor represents England, does that render him unable to play for Australia in the future? I await your informed reply.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Stitches going into his forehead !
Tony
Roar Guru
What does he hear?
Albo
Roar Rookie
Especially such a battered head these days !
mushi
Roar Guru
I'm just surprised that Victor actually entertained listening to his head in the first place.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Sounds like he should transfer to the Raiders ! They like emotions and Englishmen ! :silly: