Roosters' Smith reveals 'special connection' to England
Jasper Bruce, AAP • August 19th, 2025 3:53 pm

Sydney Roosters star Billy Smith (left) is keen to represent England on the international stage | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Sydney Roosters centre Billy Smith has revealed a "special connection" to England as his reason for pledging international allegiance to Australia's historic rivals.
Smith was born in Sydney but is eligible to represent either Australia or England, given both his parents were born in London.
The 25-year-old recently spoke to England international coach Shaun Wane about wanting to represent his roots on the world stage.
"I just had a conversation with the coach a couple of weeks ago and that's all it's really been, to be honest," Smith said.
As it stands, playing for England would rule Smith out of ever representing NSW at State of Origin level, though the NRL is considering tweaks to its eligibility rules.
But the choice puts Smith in line for a Test debut in the first Ashes series since 2003, to be played in England after the NRL season.

Billy Smith (centre) has a strong family connection with England | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
The decision follows multiple NRL players choosing to represent their Pasifika heritage in recent years, with Payne Haas last week announcing a switch of allegiances from Australia to Samoa.
Smith opened up on his call for the first time on Tuesday, explaining he had long felt tied to the country where plenty of his extended family still live.
"I've got lots of family who are Poms. There's always been a really special connection with that country," he said.
"There's a strong tie to that country, there always has been. I know it's just come to light over the last few days, but there's always been that connection."
Roosters teammate Victor Radley was "stoked" to have Smith commit to England, having represented the country since 2022 in tribute to his father's heritage.
"(Smith) is a world-class centre, he's one of the best centres all year. I'm stoked he put his hand up for England," the forward said.
"Now it's in Waney's hands, see if he can get put in the side. He'd be awesome for us."
England's semi-final loss to Samoa denied them a meeting with Australia in the World Cup final three years ago, so the Ashes tour is set to feature Radley's first games against the Kangaroos.
"It's probably the biggest challenge so far in my international career," he said.

Victor Radley is delighted his Roosters teammate has pledged his allegiance to England | Photo: Mark Kolbe/AAP
Radley said he would sing the English national anthem, God Save The King, "loud and proud" come October, but would give the Roosters his full focus in the interim.
A resounding win over Canterbury on Friday hoisted the Roosters into eighth on the ladder with three weeks to play in the regular season.
Win their remaining games and the Roosters are guaranteed to play finals, but they could miss out if they lose any of their clashes with Parramatta, Melbourne and South Sydney.
"(I'm) really confident in the group at the moment, we've just got to keep going after the things that are working for us," Radley said.