Gethin Jones reassures that Australia was his first priority for representation. He stayed in Wales for the most part of his formative years and admitted in a 2017 interview, “feel more Welsh than Australian.” Unexpectedly, after seven years, Jones is selected by Graham Arnold and is likely to win his first Socceroos cap in an upcoming friendly match.
“I’ve always loved Australia, I was born in Perth, and it just seemed like a normal process for me, like living back in Wales at a young age going through the youth levels,” Jones said.
Arnold has a reputation for convincing dual-eligible players to represent Australia. Players like Martin Boyle, Jason Cummings, and Harry Souttar could have played for Scotland but were persuaded to represent the Socceroos after discussions with the head coach.
Jones, comfortable playing as a fullback on either side, has been made welcome by the group. Jones is also comfortable playing alongside Harry Souttar, with whom he has played at English league club Fleetwood Town.
Jones also praised the team’s culture and is looking forward to representing the Socceroos. He said, “It is nerve-racking. (But) you can tell it’s a proper family environment, (it) makes you feel welcome.”