Australia star Harry Grant keen to play more international rugby league
Australia and Melbourne Storm star Harry Grant believes more international rugby league should take place in order to help grow the sport.
Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos kick-off their World Cup campaign against Fiji at Leeds’ Headingley Stadium on Saturday. The reigning champions will then face Scotland in Coventry and Italy in St Helens in the group stages.
Australia haven’t played an international match since 2019, much due to the pandemic, and Grant is one player hoping to pull on the famous Green and Gold jersey more often in the future.
“It’s such a great opportunity to play for Australia,” Grant told Love Rugby League.
“Only a select amount of players get to do it. The more we can do it and play representative footy [the better].
“It’s a great spectacle and means a lot to the players.”
Asked if he would back a regular schedule for internationals, Grant responded: “For sure. Whether it’s overseas or in Australia.
“Any chance to grow the game I think is great for rugby league and great for the players.
“You only have a short amount of time to play rugby league, so the more time you get to represent your country, we should make it more accessible.”
Harry Grant named for debut
The 24-year-old has been named on the bench to make his international debut against Fiji this Sunday, and will wear shirt number 20 throughout the tournament in England.
“It’s very special,” Grant said.
“You dream to play for Australia and to play in a World Cup is pretty special. We’ve got a lot of debutants, so it’s going to be a very big occasion for all of us.
“There’s a lot of excitement. The senior players we have as well have been great. They’re setting the standards with us. We’re really soaking it up and making the most of it.
“These boys have got some good stories from previous World Cups and a wealth of knowledge, so it’s good to tap into them and really enjoy the next six weeks.
“The World Cup, the way it stands with the teams, it’s very well balanced in terms of competition. It’s great to see the strength of the competition and hopefully that just adds to the rivalry and the competitiveness and the spectacle of the game.”
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