What a load of crap, it's annoying that talented English born players could miss out on a chance of gaining valuable international experience because of the idiots at the RFL, how are we supposed to develop our international game. I thought Rugby Union was bad enough with Hape and Tuilangi playing for England, looks like were going down the same route!!

If he does start playing for England he needs Castleford to start making the playoffs every year so he can have more big game experience. His game could kick on a level then imo but if that doesnt happen he needs at least to move to a regular super league contender if he wants to be really good.

Who do you reckon said this earlier this year?

I've not seen it mentioned here but apparently cherry evans was also given the option to join the England team because his mum has English heritage .

I dont mind when it's because of family like pats parents being Irish but I'm not sure about residency yet. I think growing up with football as the main sport in the house makes it seem odd to me but I know all the pacific islanders do it so suppose it ain't too bad as it's what the others do just seems odd to me.
It's not like he could show any less passion for the shirt than the rest of the squad/some of the fans though is it?

Joke

how very strange

what the hell happens to Widdop now?

Pacific Islanders often have to choose because their parents/grandparents were from the Islands but emigrated and the player may have been brought up in New Zealand or Australia. So fair enough, they have a decision to make between the country of their parentage or country of their upbringing. They can be nationals of both, of course.

What I don't like is someone coming over here as an adult to further their career and then being picking as "English" because they've been here a handful of years. Jeez, Rangi even sounds like the Kiwi he is.

Good to hear. If he qualifies for residency that's good enough for me. He's old enough to make the choice for himself.

Likewise if some of the English lads down under decide they want to play for Australia, that's fine. Although I wouldn't give them the time of day if they came back and I'm sure the same is true for Chase in New Zealand. That's the sacrifice you make.

He was misquoted. What he actually said was "Its been a dream of mine to wear the Red and White of England which is why I came here in the first place. I just wish the Country of my birth didnt have sh*t stars on the flag of Great Britain. God Save The Queen."

I think players should only be named in International sides if they truly believe that that is their nationality. Civoniceva for example was born in Fiji, moved to Oz when he was 2 and deems himself to be an Aussie. I have no issues at all with him playing for Australia. Someone who has moved here for a few years and isn't good enough to get in his own squad (debateable perhaps) should not be able to play for England unless he has a British passport and truly believes he is English. If Rangi believes that in the way Tony Smith does then welcome aboard.

He plays alongside Chase?