LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
While the perception of rugby league is that it is a northern sport confined often to its heartlands, it will be clear that is not the case when Kai Pearce-Paul runs out for England on Saturday at Wembley Stadium.
Pearce-Paul is a player that has gone over to the NRL and made waves, playing for the Newcastle Knights and will join Wests Tigers in 2026.
Born in Lewisham, Pearce-Paul started his rugby career in the capital and came through the system at London Broncos before eventually making his Super League debut for Wigan Warriors in 2020.
Now, he gets to be back in his hometown to represent his country, something he is not taking for granted.
Going from the London boy watching sport at Wembley Stadium to playing for England against Australia at the same venue will simply be the "pinnacle" of his young career to date.
"Obviously, the Ashes is something that hasn't happened for a very long time now and I think that makes it that much more exciting as well," Pearce-Paul said.