Chris McQueen tempted to give Shaun Wane a call over England selection

Drew Darbyshire 10 Sep 2022 8:00 AM

Chris McQueen admits he will consider reaching out to England boss Shaun Wane about the potential of representing his heritage at this year’s World Cup.

The 35-year-old back-rower recently spoke of his desire to represent England at this year’s tournament that kicks-off in October.

McQueen qualifies through his father, who was born in London before moving to Australia at a young age. The 2022 Lance Todd Trophy made his international debut for England in 2017, having been called-up by then head coach Wayne Bennett.

It remains his only cap for England, but McQueen has put his hand up to be in Shaun Wane’s squad for this year’s World Cup.

RLWC2021: Chris McQueen puts hand up for England ahead of World Cup

Chris McQueen on England hopes

“I haven’t spoken to anyone,” McQueen admitted to Love Rugby League.

“I’m sure Shaun has got his systems in place. I’m sure he knows what he’s doing and what he’s looking for in a team. If he gives me a call and wants to go that way, then absolutely I’ll put hand up to play.

“But if he doesn’t, then that’s fine too. My main focus at the moment is playing for the Giants. I’ve still got a job to do with the Giants.”

Giving Wane a call

Hard-hitting NRL forward Victor Radley recently committed his allegiance to England, qualifying through his heritage. The 24-year-old Sydney Roosters forward is set for his first call up, having approached boss Wane to state his desire.

“Personally, I wasn’t aware of that,” McQueen explained when told by Love Rugby League of Radley’s proposal.

“I hadn’t heard that but it makes sense. I understand that, so maybe I’ll have to take it upon myself to give him a call and let him know.

“It is something I’m very proud of. I can remember when I got the call from Wayne Bennett that he was going to select me back in 2017.

“The first thing I day when I got off the phone was to call my dad and we had a really special moment about the fact that I was going to get selected for England so that is something I’m really proud of.

“He’s from London. He’s only been back once since he left. He was born in ’69 and his family went over to Australia in ’79, so his parents and all his siblings moved over.

“He’s been there most of his life and he has only been back once.

“Since I’ve been here my dad has been telling me he’ll come back over to England, so now that the world is starting to return normal with the Covid situation, he might actually get the opportunity to which would be unreal if I get to spend some time with him in his homeland.”

England kick-off the World Cup campaign on October 15 against Samoa at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. They will also face France and Greece in Group A.

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