MAX KING has declared himself “all-in” for the nation of his birth after being named in Brian McDermott’s England performance programme.

The 38-player group named by new head coach McDermott, four months ahead of the World Cup, included several fresh heritage players in Wakefield Trinity prop Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Canberra Raiders hooker Jayden Brailey, Sydney Roosters centre Billy Smith and Brisbane Broncos prop Ben Talty.

While Hamlin-Uele hails from New Zealand and the other three from Australia, Canterbury Bulldogs prop King was born in Huddersfield in 1997.

That was while father David played for the town’s Rugby League club (he also made professional appearances for Whitehaven, Nottingham City, London, Warrington, Hunslet, Barrow and Workington).

There is further rugby heritage in the family with Max’s grandfather Johnny King, a prolific winger, winning seven successive league titles with St George in the 1960s and earning 15 Australia caps.

Despite following in those footsteps by representing New South Wales, playing every match of last year’s series, Max has instead declared for England, the homeland of his mother Caroline and where he lived until the age of seven.

“I spoke to coach Brian McDermott and he excited me about England,” said the 29-year-old, who made his 150th NRL appearance against former club Gold Coast Titans (he has also had a spell with Melbourne Storm) on Friday.

“I hung up the phone call and I was all-in.

“I’ve always spoken about being English and an Aussie, being a dual citizen. It would be such a great opportunity for me and my family (to play for England).

“Those things are bigger than a personal achievement – you’re representing your family as well.

“It would be awesome to be there at the end of the year but there’s a lot of hard work between now and then.”

While Hamlin-Uele, Brailey, Smith and Talty have all put their hands up for England selection, joining previously-capped Sydney Roosters forward Victor Radley and Gold Coast back AJ Brimson as heritage contenders, McDermott was knocked back by Canberra Raiders halfback Ethan Strange.

The 21-year-old, who has appeared in this year’s first two State of Origin games for the Blues, has an English mother and also qualifies for New Zealand.

Strange – whose sister Jasmin, a Sydney Roosters back, has expressed a desire to play for England – said: “It’s cool to have that choice, but I want to play for Australia if I get picked.”