Jasmin Strange opens up on representing England, the emotional moment she told her family, John Strange

Jasmin Strange will never forget the moment she told her mother that she was selected to represent England at this year’s Rugby League World Cup.

After five seasons in the NRLW and three premierships to her name, Strange is preparing to take the next step in her career on the international stage.

While the call-up marks a significant milestone, it also holds special meaning for her family, particularly her mother, who has supported her every step of the way.

When she found out during a training session in Grand Final week, she called her mother Adele first.

“She told me it made her whole life. She was asking me every single day throughout the NRLW season if I knew I was in the squad,” Strange told foxsports.com.au ahead of her international debut.

“She was so emotional and she’s given me probably a pep talk every single day about how proud she is and how proud her family is and what it means to her.

“It literally means everything to her. She doesn’t even really care about footy that much but the fact that I’m representing England, she’s just so excited and proud.

“She booked her tickets to Perth that very second, so she’ll be there cheering me on and the rest of my family in England is just as excited.

“They’ve already sent me a few videos. I’m pretty sure they were out at the time they found out, so I’ve got some colourful videos, but it’s been great.”

The moment was just as special for her father, Roosters coach John Strange, who greeted the news with a hug and a few words she will never forget.

“Then when I got to tell her, it was the best feeling ever and my Dad as well,” she said.

“He was definitely really excited for me, but he just gave me a big hug and said how proud he was of me, which was nice.”

With her mother’s side of the family still living in England, the opportunity to don the prestigious jersey has given her another way to connect with her ancestors.

Although she was born in New South Wales, Strange has travelled to England numerous times since childhood and even celebrated her 18th birthday there.

“I actually had my 18th birthday party in England. I’ve been to England three or four times,” she continued.

“We’ve been going since we were little because Mum’s entire family’s still over there.

“She’s the only one from her family that’s over here. We’ve been to England many, many times and spent a lot of time over there so it’s good.”

Strange had previously spoken with the Kiwi Ferns about representing New Zealand, but her connection to England ultimately gave her a chance to embrace another part of her heritage.

It comes after she has already represented the Maori All Stars.

“I had chatted with the Kiwis in the past, but I’ve represented that side and especially my grandma through playing Maori All Stars,” she said.

“I think it’s beautiful that I can play Maori All Stars and represent my culture and I can also play for England in the World Cup.”

And when she finally pulled on the England jersey for the first time, the magnitude of the moment truly hit her.

“This is my first time trying on the jersey,” she said.

“I had to come in here running a little bit late and once I put the jersey on, I only had a couple of seconds to look at myself in the mirror, but I was getting emotional and so proud of myself and grateful to be here.

“It made it feel real when I put on the jersey.”