England’s chances of upsetting the Australian Kangaroos next month have taken a major hit, with suspended Sydney Roosters forward Victor Radley making himself unavailable for selection.
The news follows a tumultuous fortnight that saw Radley hit with the heaviest sanction in Roosters club history over his role in an incident that saw former teammate Brandon Smith face charges of drug supply.
While England coach Shaun Wane and the RFL had indicated the 27-year-old was still set for selection, those plans are now out the window with St. Helens second rower Morgan Knowles the most likely beneficiary of Radley’s absence.
“Victor has been an outstanding player for England for the last three years but we respect his decision,” Wane told the English media overnight.
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“We need 24 players who are fully focused on the historic opportunity of facing Australia in an Ashes series,” he continued.
Australian born and raised, Radley has featured nine times for England since making his debut at the 2022 World Cup.
Rather than travel to the UK he will now remain in Australia with his fiancé, Taylah, who is currently pregnant with the couple’s second child.
England will name their squad for the three-test Ashes series on October 15 while the Kangaroos touring squad will be announced the day after the NRL grand final on Monday October 6.