Canterbury prop James Graham has revealed England boss Steve McNamara turned down a chance to take talented Bulldogs team-mate Trent Hodkinson to the 2013 World Cup.

Hodkinson is one of the NRL’s best half-backs on current form and has guided Graham’s Bulldogs to their last two wins with last-minute field goals. He was born in Australia and is tipped to represent New South Wales in the State of Origin, but Graham wants him to take advantage of his English father and line up for the red and whites.

“His dad is English and he has actually spoke quite passionately about seeing Trent play [for England] and I know that it’s been in the back of Trent’s mind,” Graham said.

“I’d love to see him line up next to me in an English [jersey]. Coach Steve [McNamara] did ask me about him. I think Steve gets quite a few reminders that people can qualify for England and I said, ‘Look, this guy is genuine, he definitely wants to play, he’s not someone wanting just to play in the World Cup.’

“For whatever reason Steve didn’t go that way but hopefully, if Trent can produce form and still has that passion, that desire, to play for England, maybe one day it might come true.”

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