from what i can remember jack reed was offered the chance to play for aus or england, he chose england. but would everyone be complaining so much if the aussies had selected one of OUR english players for their squad

That's another issue I have with the Chase and Heighington selections as choosing to play for England was their second choice.

Its also why Reed should be commended for turning his back on Australia and Queensland to play for England.

How about Jason Nightingale, Brent Webb or all the Tongans/Samoans/Cook Islanders that play for the Kiwi's?

Being able to point to being a current England international does seem a good way to get around any potential VISA issues to me.

Just saying like...

Sorry HF you are right about that. I have been following a debate on the Manly site where they are cheesed off with him as he came through the Aussie system and played Aussie Schoolboys and they feel he should of repaid Austrailia for his upbringing.

And I suppose the worst example of all has been Tonie Carroll. (born in New Zealand) educated in Aus played Aus schoolboys and state of origin . then played for New Zealand in the 2000 world cup (scoring in the final against Aus).Then going on to represent Aus himself 7 times.

It's a bit more complex with them as a lot of those Islands are governed by NZ and belong to them. They also never had national sides untill not so long ago.

I'm happy for players who were brought up in the youth system of that country to be eligible to play for either their country of birth or their adopted country. When a player signs their first professional contract they will then have to pick their alligence, and stick with it, for rep football and transfers/over seas quotas.