James Graham and Gareth Widdop have emerged as staunch supporters for England's Denver Test against New Zealand, as the controversial fixture continues to appear even more unlikely.
Plans for the June 24 Test are fading, after concerns were raised by NRL medicos over players' susceptibility to injuries during and in the weeks after the match given the altitude of the Mile High Stadium.
Penrith supremo Phil Gould also voiced his opposition on Wednesday and accused private promoters of attempting a cash grab from players.
The time difference and 20-hour flight would mean Parramatta and St George Illawarra players would play just two days after they landed home.
But Dragons prop Graham said that as a player he felt he had to do whatever was required to grow the international game.
"I am huge fan of international rugby league and we need as much of it as we can," Graham said.
"We need as much of it as we can and this Test in Denver is a huge opportunity for us to showcase the game.
"In terms of the turnaround, it's not ideal ... If that's what we've got to do then that's what we've got to do."
The Test comes as a part of a plan to push rugby league ahead of the 2025 World Cup to be held in the United States and Canada.
There are also financial motives behind the push for the two international organisations for the June Test, with England and New Zealand set to earn a big pay day from promoters for the match.
Not that that is driving the players who will reportedly receive just $5000 - and not the usual $20,000 - for taking part in the match.
"To showcase our game to a new fan base would be a pretty cool opportunity," Graham said.
Widdop also voiced his support of playing in the Test for England this week and would be happy backing up with the short turnaround if it went ahead.
"They don't come around too often. If selected I will be putting my hand up to play for my country," he said.
"I'm a proud Englishman and we're supposed to take it over to Denver where we're trying to grow the game of rugby league. I think it's great for the international game."
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