Ethan Strange declined England and New Zealand selections after his impressive Origin debut, prioritizing Australia.
Blues star Ethan Strange has confirmed that he knocked back an approach after his stunning Origin debut to play for England at Rugby League World Cup 2026.
New England coach Brian McDermott, who is on the Titans coaching staff, has chosen 11 NRL stars in a 38-man preliminary squad for RLWC2026, including NSW interchange forward Victor Radley.
Strange's Canberra team-mate Jayden Brailey is one of four new faces from the NRL in the England squad, along with Bulldogs prop Max King, Roosters centre Billy Smith and Broncos forward Ben Talty.
However, Strange - whose mother Adele was born and raised in Yorkshire - said he had turned down the opportunity to play for England, as well as New Zealand, for whom he also qualifies through his paternal grandmother.