Sydney Roosters centre Billy Smith has spoken about his hopes of representing England in the end-of-season Ashes Series while also revealing the role played by NRL teammate Victor Radley in luring him to the 'mother land'.
"Victor is obviously a proud, low-key Pom, he flies the flag for them," Smith joked, explaining both of his parents were born in England thus making him eligible for selection.
"He's been in my ear a bit and he's helped because he's lived it himself, he's a good mate so obviously I've leant on him -- but he's also a bit biased."
For his part, Radley, who has represented England nine times, said 25-year-old Smith didn't require a whole lot of convincing.
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"Bill doesn't like to think too far ahead, so I didn't want to get in his grill too much about it (playing for England)," Radley said.
"I didn't really recruit him, he came and spoke to me about two weeks ago and I said 'let's do it'.
"I don't want to jinx it but he hasn't really been available in that October-November time of year before (through injuries), he's probably had it in his mind for years, but never had the opportunity -- it's good to see him choose the mother land."
For now, both Radley and Smith are firmly focussed on getting the Roosters into the NRL finals.
"I had a zoom with 'Waney' (England coach Shaun Wane) about two months ago now, but after that I've parked it," Radley said of the series against the Kangaroos that begins at Wembley on 25 October.
"The only thing I can do is make sure I'm playing good football, I know how strong the English team is, especially the forward pack, I need to be at my best to give myself the best opportunity to get picked," he added humbly.
"Right now it's just wasted energy (thinking about the Ashes) -- what's most important is here at the Chooks."