In a remarkable display of dedication and cultural immersion, NRL star Victor Radley has once again made the journey from the sunny shores of Bondi to the charming countryside of South Yorkshire. The 26-year-old forward, who has become a fixture in the England rugby league team, embarks on his third consecutive year donning the England colors, driven by a deep connection to his roots and an unwavering love for the English way of life.
Embracing English Heritage
For Radley, representing England is more than just an opportunity to showcase his skills on the international stage. It’s a chance to honor his family heritage and forge a deeper bond with the land of his father’s birth. “It really means a lot to be here and to represent my family,” Radley shares, his voice brimming with pride. “I absolutely love it so much here. The culture in this country is something I view so fondly.”
Immersing in Local Culture
During his annual pilgrimage to England, Radley makes it a point to fully immerse himself in the local culture. From exploring quaint farm shops and pubs to exchanging jokes with the friendly locals, he embraces every aspect of English life with open arms. “It’s a good laugh, just all the local farm shops, the pubs and the locals. There’s always someone cracking jokes everywhere you go. It’s hilarious,” Radley chuckles, his eyes twinkling with mirth.
I love coming to England, the culture in this country is something I view so fondly. Getting to know England more has been really enjoyable. Every year gets better.
– Victor Radley
Staying Connected to Family
Radley’s ties to England run deep, with his father hailing from Sheffield. During his visits, he makes it a priority to spend quality time with family and friends in the picturesque village of Crane Moor. “I normally go straight to where my family is in Barnsley. I stay with my dad’s good friend who lives in the countryside and it’s beautiful,” Radley shares, his voice filled with warmth. He even finds time to indulge in his love for football, catching Sheffield Wednesday matches whenever possible.
Looking Ahead to Samoa Tests
As much as Radley cherishes his time in England, he knows that the upcoming tests against Samoa are of utmost importance. The heartbreaking extra-time defeat to Samoa in the 2022 World Cup semi-final still lingers in the minds of the England squad. “The memories of that day aren’t great,” Radley admits, taking responsibility for the intercept that ultimately cost England the game. However, he remains focused on the task at hand, determined to help his team secure victories in the upcoming matches.
Building for the Future
Radley’s commitment to the England team extends beyond the immediate future. With the majority of the 2022 World Cup squad returning for this year’s autumn internationals, he sees it as an opportunity to build cohesion and prepare for the 2026 World Cup. “We’ve gelled quickly and the tournament in Australia will be really good. But we’ve got a great challenge this year first and that’s something I’m relishing,” Radley states, his determination palpable.
A Potential Super League Future
As Radley continues to forge his bond with England, the question arises: could Super League fans one day see this NRL superstar grace their competition? “100%,” Radley responds without hesitation. “I’ve already spoke to my partner about it. We’ve got kids but I know she would love it as well over here. It’s something I want to do at some point in my career.” The prospect of Radley bringing his dynamic play and infectious enthusiasm to the English club scene is an exciting one for rugby league enthusiasts.
Focused on the Present
For now, however, Radley’s focus remains squarely on the upcoming tests against Samoa. With a young and talented England squad at his side, he is confident in their ability to rise to the challenge. “We haven’t had too many meetings about mindset yet and what our mental motivations are,” Radley reveals. “It’s just been about training and making sure we’re fit. We want to start revving up but not too far before the game. But this is a great squad with some great young players and we’ll be ready to put everything on the line for England.”
As Victor Radley continues to embrace his English adventure, his passion for the country, its culture, and the national rugby league team shines through. With his heart firmly rooted in both England and Australia, Radley stands as a shining example of the power of cultural exchange and the unifying force of sport. As he takes to the field against Samoa, fans on both sides of the world will be cheering him on, eager to witness the next chapter in his remarkable journey.
