FORMER NRL star Ben Te’o is in the frame for a shock call-up to Eddie Jones’ England squad, according to a report in the United Kingdom.

The Daily Mail reported that Te’o — a former Queensland State of Origin representative — had been in regular contact with Jones, the Australian who masterminded England’s grand slam Six Nations campaign in his first stint at the helm.

Te’o, who has been playing rugby for Irish province Leinster, is joining English Premiership club Worcester at the end of this season, a move reportedly designed to “further his England ambitions.”

The 29-year-old has played league for Samoa but qualifies for England through his mother, who was born and raised there.

Charles Piutau of Wasps tackles Ben Te'o of Leinster. Source: Getty Images

The Daily Mail claimed that “trusted contacts in league have told the England management that Te’o has the potential to be an explosive asset in midfield, as a player with a similar gainline-busting, off-loading repertoire to Manu Tuilagi and (Sam) Burgess, who he played alongside when the South Sydney Rabbitohs won the NRL title in 2014.”

The newspaper reported that Te’o was seen as a candidate for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan and “the plan is to integrate him into the Test setup at the earliest opportunity.”

The Daily Mail quoted Burgess — who played for England in last year’s failed World Cup campaign — as saying his former South Sydney premiership teammate would be a smash hit in the 15-man game.

Ben Te’o, Sam Burgess, Greg Inglis, Dylan Walker and Kirisome Auva’a celebrate Souths’ premiership. Source: News Corp Australia

“He is an amazing athlete, very aggressive and focused on his role,” Burgess said.

“He’s hardworking and selfless.”

Before signing with Worcester in December, Te’o told reporters he had a yearning to play international rugby.

“I know I’ve got a lot of options,” Te’o said.

“I’d love to play international rugby.

“I’m not sure for who, but I’d love to play it.

“I want to test myself and I love to play in the biggest games.”

The Auckland-born Te’o is also eligible for New Zealand, Samoa or Ireland.

England tour Australia in June for a three-Test series and the Daily Mail reported that “Te’o will be considered for early inclusion in the senior national squad.”