NSW Blues standout Ethan Strange has publicly announced his decision to decline an offer to play for England, following the nation's announcement of a 38-man preliminary squad for the upcoming 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
The newly appointed head coach of the England team, Brian McDermott, has made the choice to include 11 players from the NRL in his preliminary roster.
Nevertheless, notable absentees from the squad include Strange, Queensland Maroons halfback Sam Walker, and dynamic hooker Blayke Brailey, all of whom had the potential to represent the nation by year's end.
Although Brailey and Walker were considered long shots for the England squad, many had held out hope that Strange might embrace the chance to honor his mother's heritage through international play.