PEACOCK

BLAKE AUSTIN’S selection in the England elite performance squad this week caused a predictable stir because of the fact he was born in Australia, and qualifies through his grandmother.

I just hope that the people who were moaning didn’t cheer England on to their World Cup cricket win on Sunday.

That was done with four players born outside England, and it’s a part of modern-day sport: I don’t think you can criticise one and be OK with the other. I’ve spoken to Blake and he’s keen to play for England and Great Britain, and he let me know he would give everything he’s got, whether that be in training or in the team. He’s been superb for Warrington this season, a real game-breaker, and has fully bought into the English culture.

When you’re building towards a World Cup you want