England’s NRL-based players come out fighting as a war of words breaks out

SO NOW it appears battle lines have been drawn over the proposed Test between England and New Zealand in Denver.

And although they didn’t ask for it, the England internationals based in the NRL find themselves at the centre of a war of words.

Eight players, plus coach Wayne Bennett, have come out fighting in favour of the June 23 match as NRL clubs seem set to say no to releasing them.

All of them, including Gareth Widdop even though he moved to Australia as a 14-year-old, began their journey to the top in this country.

Now as their clubs and others seem to be against taking rugby league to another new audience, they have declared their intent.

“We would like to place on record our absolute support for the upcoming rugby league international game between England and New Zealand, scheduled to be played in Denver in June,” said a statement signed by Bennett, Widdop, Thomas, George and Sam Burgess, James Graham, Josh Hodgson, Elliott Whitehead and Chris Heighington.

“While we understand that there have been some concerns regarding player welfare, the England Chief Medical Officer, Dr Chris Brookes, has made it clear to us that he has no additional concerns with this game being played in Denver and the insurance that has now been put in place is more comprehensive than any other in the history of international rugby league.

“We have spoken with our English based teammates who have received the full support of their Super League clubs and we are all in agreement that it is important that this game takes place.

“We are looking forward to meeting up as a squad in June and, if selected, walking out in Denver to take on New Zealand.”

Sam Burgess made his feelings very clear, admitting the attitude of Aussies towards English rugby league and its players, ‘p***es him off’ as he, Thomas and George played a part in South Sydney’s 34-6 demolition of Manly, who have been punished for breaching the salary cap.

Widdop and Graham had a whale of a time as St George-Illawarra hammered Gold Coast Titans 54-8, with the former scoring a try and nine goals while Whitehead and the injured Hodgson suffered last gasp heartbreak as Canberra lost 19-20 to New Zealand Warriors, after they led by seven points with four minutes left.