news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 844774.stm

Tongan international Willie Manu can play for England in the autumn's Four Nations after changing allegiance, the Rugby Football League has confirmed.

The 30-year-old Hull second row has been named in England coach Steve McNamara's initial training party.

"He qualifies on residency and has made himself available," said a spokesman.

Maurie Fa'asavalu played for Great Britain in 2007 after previously playing rugby union for Samoa, but has now switched codes back to rugby union.

Manu came to England in 2006 to play for Castleford, moving to Hull a year later, and recently signed a new two-year deal after producing the best form of his career, earning him a place at McNamara's 37-strong gathering.

Hull coach Richard Agar admitted the issue was "a hot potato," but said he backed the player's involvement with England.

"If Steve picks him, he'll open himself up for some criticism, but if he picks him and England win the Four Nations, he'll be judged as a hero," he said.

"Most other sports do it - a lot of players Australia pick have been born and bred in New Zealand - and Willie by rights qualifies for England on residency grounds

[iI await your respone EXPRO [/i

news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 844774.stm

Tongan international Willie Manu can play for England in the autumn's Four Nations after changing allegiance, the Rugby Football League has confirmed.

The 30-year-old Hull second row has been named in England coach Steve McNamara's initial training party.

"He qualifies on residency and has made himself available," said a spokesman.

Maurie Fa'asavalu played for Great Britain in 2007 after previously playing rugby union for Samoa, but has now switched codes back to rugby union.

Manu came to England in 2006 to play for Castleford, moving to Hull a year later, and recently signed a new two-year deal after producing the best form of his career, earning him a place at McNamara's 37-strong gathering.

Hull coach Richard Agar admitted the issue was "a hot potato," but said he backed the player's involvement with England.

"If Steve picks him, he'll open himself up for some criticism, but if he picks him and England win the Four Nations, he'll be judged as a hero," he said.

"Most other sports do it - a lot of players Australia pick have been born and bred in New Zealand - and Willie by rights qualifies for England on residency grounds

[iI await your respone EXPRO [/i