Solomona eyes England call-up
SALE SHARKS WINGER SWITCHES ALLEGIANCE
DENNY Solomona has pledged his international future to England after completing the paperwork to confirm his switch of allegiances.
The Sale Sharks winger has become eligible to play for his adopted nation having lived in the country for three years, previously playing for London Broncos and Castleford Tigers in rugby league before his controversial cross-code switch.
Solomona broke the Super League try record for Castleford last year, going over the line 42 times before moving to Sale. The 23-year-old has taken no time adapting to the 15-man code, having scored nine tries in eight games to become the Sharks’ top try-scorer.
His magnificent first-half hat-trick against Premiership table-toppers Wasps last month saw calls for him to be taken on the British & Irish Lions tour this summer, despite only being back in union for two months.
However, after making himself available for England and Lions selection, the New Zealand-born wing is not worrying about when his chance will come on the international stage.
He said: “Obviously I’m enjoying playing here. I’ve been here for three years and it’s the choice I want to make. I confided in my coach and my family and they support me.
“I just want to focus on what I need to work on and that’s here at Sale. If England comes this summer, it comes, if it doesn’t, it doesn’t. There is always next year or the year after, but at the moment I’m trying to enhance my skills as a rugby union player.”
Solomona’s announcement will come as another body blow for rugby league and Castleford fans after the Samoan league international had previously said he was not interested in playing for England in the 13-man sport.
The legal case between Castleford and Sale is still ongoing after the player ‘resigned’ from league so Sale could effectively sign a free agent.
Castleford are seeking £500,000 in compensation from the Sharks, having sued the club and Solomona as well as his agent.
And Solomona - speaking about the move to the media for the first time - admitted he understands his former club’s frustrations and is not surprised by the furore and social media abuse he received in the aftermath of his code switch.
He said: “100% [I understand Castleford’s frustrations]. Everyone has their frustrations and problems but life moves on.
“We’re months out from it now, I’ve moved on and I’m sure they’ll move on too.
“That’s what comes with the job. If you’re not hated, you’re not doing something right - simple. The Sale coaching staff have been really good and they’ve helped me with the background stuff to help me block it out with what I need to do on the field.”