England coach Steve McNamara has drawn first blood in the looming Four Nations battle with Australia by plucking exciting Brisbane NRL centre Jack Reed from under their noses.

The 23-year-old Reed was earmarked for a place in Queensland's emerging State of Origin squad - which would represent the first step towards winning a Kangaroo jersey - after enjoying a sensational debut season in the NRL with the Broncos.

But McNamara has persuaded the Yorkshireman to represent the country of his birth and plans to give him his England debut in the end-of-season Four Nations Series against Wales, Australia and New Zealand.

Although he speaks with an Australian accent, Reed was born in Castleford and moved with his parents, Kathryn and Joe - a former amateur boxer - to Australia when he was two.

He will be the fourth Australia-based member of McNamara's Four Nations squad - joining Gareth Widdop (Melbourne), Sam Burgess (South Sydney) and Gareth Ellis (Wests Tigers) - and will become the first Australian-raised Englishman to play for his country of birth since London Broncos utility player Tulsen Tollett toured with Great Britain in 1996.

"Jack is an exciting player who has had a great season in the NRL," said McNamara.

"We are delighted that he is pledging his allegiance to England. It is a great coup for us.

"I have been in constant dialogue with Jack and his manager throughout the year and he has convinced me of his desire and total commitment to play for the country of his birth.

"We are always interested in adding quality to the squad and Jack certainly fits that bill - he will add great competition to our backs."

Reed, who will play for Brisbane in this weekend's NRL play-off semi-final against St George Illawarra, has scored 12 tries so far this year and impressed McNamara with his direct style.

"We have analysed his performances throughout this year's campaign and he has gained valuable experience playing in a tough competition in his first season," added McNamara.

"Jack is concentrating on the NRL finals with the Broncos and I wish him well in his match against St George Illawarra at the weekend.

"Once his domestic commitments have been completed he will join up with the rest of the train-on squad at our base in Loughborough."

A bricklayer until 12 months ago, Reed has experienced a meteoric rise to fame.

He took up rugby league on Bribie Island in Queensland and was signed up by Canberra Raiders' feeder club Souths Logan Magpies.

But he was repeatedly overlooked for first grade and became so disillusioned that he began exploring options to revive his career in England with a Championship club.

He only remained in Australia after being thrown a lifeline last year by Queensland Cup side Norths Devils but never looked back after being recommended to the Broncos by former Australia Test halfback Mark Murray.

After being chosen to fill the backline void left by AFL convert Israel Folau, Reed has gone on to play every match for Brisbane as they claimed a third-place finish.

"It was a tough decision to make but my heritage means a lot to me and it will be a great honour to represent England if selected," said Reed.

"Everyone, both at home and at the club, have been very supportive throughout the whole process.

"I have been in contact with Steve and he has been great. He hasn't put any pressure on me and has left the decision to myself.

"I'm looking forward at the end of the season to being part of the England set-up and hopefully forcing my way into Steve's plans.

"It would be great to play on the international stage and be part of something special this year and in the future - especially with the Rugby League World Cup coming up in 2013."

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