South Sydney Rabbitohs utility Jamie Humphreys has begun the process of establishing his eligibility for England, hoping to force his way into Brian McDermott's plans ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup kicking off in October.
The 24-year-old, who has spent the past two seasons shuffling between halfback and hooker for the Rabbitohs, has started the paperwork to determine whether he qualifies for selection under the heritage rule, The Daily Telegraph reports.
It's the first concrete step in what he hopes will end with him wearing the red-and-white jersey in October.
Humphreys' case rests on his childhood spent in the United Kingdom. He lived while his father, Stephen Humphreys, a former Manly Sea Eagles chief executive, was working there.
That stint saw a young Humphreys come through the London Broncos' academy system with Kai Pearce-Paul, who currently plays for the Wests Tigers.
The playmaker's time in England also saw an opportunity to play junior representative football in England before eventually returning to Australia and working his way into the NRL, first with Manly and now at Redfern.
Pearce-Paul and Humphreys were used in the London Broncos' social media posts to promote their Talent Pathway Programme.
"My father worked for British Airways, so our family moved over there in 2014 when I was young. It was a big move for us and during that time I played a lot of footy and sports like soccer and rugby union, as well," Humphreys revealed in an interview with NRL.com in 2025.
"London Broncos was the team I played for through U16s to U19s in their academy system and I really enjoyed my time there."
There's no guarantee the move will pay off. McDermott has already flagged a 38-man-sized pool of players for his side.
Humphreys is determined to give himself a shot, and he wouldn't be the first Australian-raised talent to do so.
Sydney Roosters forward Victor Radley and Gold Coast Titans centre AJ Brimson committed to England, with Billy Smth from the Roosters previously putting his hand up to represent England through family or residency ties.
There was a three-year deal with the Perth Bears in place for the Rabbitohs player; however, he has since declined the offer.
Currently, he is managing a chronic ankle issue, and The Sydney Morning Herald reported earlier this month that he is close to re-signing with South Sydney, despite two other Sydney clubs showing interest.
