DeeGan
02-02-06, 10:19 AM
Tigers star reveals GB ambition
Wests Tigers back-row forward Chris Heighington has revealed he wants to play for Great Britain and plans to quit the NRL by the age of 26.
The Australian, who also carries a UK passport, hopes to impress in the World Club Challenge against Bradford.
"If the opportunity ever came up, I'd take it with both hands," he told The Sydney Telegraph newspaper.
"I'd love to play club footy over here. I'm 23, in a couple of years I'll be over here for sure."
Heighington, born and raised in Australia, is rated as one of the most exciting forward prospects in his homeland.
He qualifies for a UK passport through his father, Tom, who was born just outside Liverpool and left at the age of 15.
"I'm really close to my dad, he's really into the English culture and I love it here," Heighington added.
GB are the winner here though I personally have mixed feelings and don't really want to re-open an old wound on this one.
Disappointing to read from an Australian's point of view when we have a fellow countrymen looking to explore the loop-hole on offer which will qualify him to play for England in the future.
Leaving the NRL at 26 to head to a weaker competition for bigger money - can't really scold a guy.
Good luck to him.
DeeGan
Wests Tigers back-row forward Chris Heighington has revealed he wants to play for Great Britain and plans to quit the NRL by the age of 26.
The Australian, who also carries a UK passport, hopes to impress in the World Club Challenge against Bradford.
"If the opportunity ever came up, I'd take it with both hands," he told The Sydney Telegraph newspaper.
"I'd love to play club footy over here. I'm 23, in a couple of years I'll be over here for sure."
Heighington, born and raised in Australia, is rated as one of the most exciting forward prospects in his homeland.
He qualifies for a UK passport through his father, Tom, who was born just outside Liverpool and left at the age of 15.
"I'm really close to my dad, he's really into the English culture and I love it here," Heighington added.
GB are the winner here though I personally have mixed feelings and don't really want to re-open an old wound on this one.
Disappointing to read from an Australian's point of view when we have a fellow countrymen looking to explore the loop-hole on offer which will qualify him to play for England in the future.
Leaving the NRL at 26 to head to a weaker competition for bigger money - can't really scold a guy.
Good luck to him.
DeeGan