Despite being handed one of the harshest club sanctions in NRL history, multiple UK media outlets are reporting Sydney Roosters forward Victor Radley remains firmly in line for Ashes selection next month.
Sources within rugby league’s governing body in England, the RFL, have declared that the 10-match ban does not apply to them and as such Radley is still available to take his place under England head coach Shaun Wane.
Born and raised in Sydney with an English father, 27-year-old Radley made his international debut in the 2021 World Cup (which was actually held in 2022) and has been a fixture in the English national team ever since, playing nine tests.
Having played 161 games with the Sydney Roosters, including two NRL premierships, Radley was widely expected to be one of the first forwards chosen for the three-test series against the Australian Kangaroos.
MORE: Roosters hand Victor Radley largest punishment in clubs history
Given his absence would have been a huge one for the underdog hosts, it’s unsurprising English officials have kept the door wide open for Radley who now seems set to take his place alongside several other NRL stars including Herbie Farnworth, Dom Young, Kai Pearce-Paul, Morgan Smithies and Roosters teammate Billy Smith.
Gold Coast Titans 2025 player of the year AJ Brimson is also a strong chance of making his English debut next month having switched his international allegiance early this year.
The Ashes begins at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday 25 October.