Billy Smith admits he has spoken to England coach Shaun Wane and looks set to play a role in this year’s Ashes series alongside one of his Sydney Roosters teammates.
The injury-plagued eastern suburbs product has enjoyed the best season of his NRL career, crossing for eight tries in 14 games and helping the side’s late-season surge towards the finals.
Smith has endured more adversity in his early years in the NRL than many could ever imagine, but has persevered to become a representative-level centre.
READ MORE: AFL star’s season likely over after ban for slur revealed
READ MORE: Five-club race to heat up for victim of DCE signing
READ MORE: Glaring issue exposed amid ugly Western United saga
But any chances of him playing State of Origin in the future appear to be gone unless a rule change is introduced, with the 25-year-old pledging his allegiance to England.
While he wouldn’t confirm the decision, Smith conceded the influence of teammate Victor Radley has helped sway him towards representing his parents.
Billy Smith Getty
Radley shocked the rugby league world three years ago when he opted to give up the potential of playing for NSW and Australia to represent his English heritage.
“Vic’s obviously a proud low-key Pom, he flies the flag for them,” Smith said.
“He’s been in my ear and honestly, he’s been a help because he’s lived it a little bit. He’s a good mate of mine so I’ve leant on him a little bit.
“I had a chat to the coach a couple of weeks ago and that’s all there is to it. Mum and dad are both from England, born there, so there’s obviously ties there.
“I will probably keep it at that for the time being.”
Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Two-time premiership winner Radey has since been followed by Titans fullback AJ Brimson and now it looks like one of his Roosters teammates will join the England movement.
“I mentioned it to him once,” Radley said.
“I know what he’s like, he doesn’t want to think too far ahead, Billy, so I didn’t want to get in his grill too much about it.
“He spoke to me two weeks ago and I said ‘let’s do it, ring Waney and let him know’.
England coach Shaun Wane Getty
“I didn’t really recruit Bill, I feel like he’s had it in the back of his mind and it’s his first opportunity – touch wood, I don’t want to jinx it – but he hasn’t really been available.
“He’s probably had it in his mind for years but hasn’t had the opportunity to, so it’s good to see him choose the mother land.”
Radley also confirmed his own conversations with coach Wane, but remained humble regarding his own position in the England squad.
England will face Australia in three Tests later this year.
“I’ve had a Zoom with Waney, just to speak on some things – that was probably two months ago now – but after that, I’ve kind of parked it,” he said.
“The only thing I can do is make sure I’m playing good football and try to get picked in that side. I know how strong the England team is, especially that forward pack.”
Victor Radley in action for England Getty
Radley would be a walk-up start for the lock-forward position if fit to play for England, while other NRL players including Herbie Farnworth, Dom Young, Morgan Smithies and Matty Nicholson are also expected to be in the squad.
George Williams, Junior Nsemba, Morgan Knowles and Harry Smith are among the Super League standouts who should be in the mix to face the Kangaroos.
England’s potential Ashes team vs Kangaroos
1. AJ Brimson 2. Dominic Young 3. Herbie Farnworth 4. Billy Smith 5. Matty Ashton 6. George Williams 7. Harry Smith 8. Matty Lees 9. Daryl Clark 10. Morgan Smithies 11. John Bateman 12. Junior Nsema 13. Victor Radley 14. Mikey Lewis 15. Morgan Knowles 16. Matty Nicholson 17. Luke Thompson
