Cronulla Sharks center KL Iro has expressed an interest in representing England should the opportunity arise.
Iro, the son of former Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos, and St. Helens center Kevin Iro, was born in England during his father’s last stint in Super League with Saints. As such, while he grew up in the Cook Islands and New Zealand, he is eligible to represent England at the international level.
The 25-year-old does have international experience already, with eight caps coming for the Cook Islands, with his most recent appearance coming in 2023. However, given the Cook Islands is not a Tier 1 nation, he would be eligible to make the switch to England should Shaun Wane call him up this autumn for the Ashes series against Australia.
And, speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, he admits he would be open to the idea of representing his country of birth.
“Yeah, for sure. I’m not sure if I’m eligible. I’m not sure how it works,” Iro said about representing England. “But, yeah, I wouldn’t say no. I would never say no to that. I think it’s pretty cool if you could do that.”
NRL man open to switching international allegiances
On his heritage and nationality, Iro added, “Cook Islands is my strong point, and that’s where I grew up, and that’s my culture … After my career, I probably want to move back there as well.
“When I was growing up back there, I always had my dad as a role model to follow, so I hope that I can be, like, a role model for the younger kids that it is possible to get out of the island and achieve good things.”
Iro has been in the NRL since 2022, joining the Cronulla Sharks in 2022 and making 29 appearances for the side. In that time he has touched down on 12 occasions.
The comments come prior to this afternoon’s news that AJ Brimson has succeeded in freeing himself up for a potential England call-up. The playmaker has previously confirmed his interest in representing England, which he qualifies for through his mother but was ineligible for due to the fact that he had represented Australia at 9s.
However, an International Rugby League tribunal has ruled in his favor, ensuring Shaun Wane could pick him should he wish.
