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Newcastle’s new Kiwi star MAX HICKS on feeding his pet eel butter chicken, growing up on AFL and hockey, waterskiing, working on a building site with Exeter’s Ethan Roots and being compared to LeBron James – is an England call next?

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY NIK SIMON: 'We went and caught one of the eels from the creek and I kept it as my pet. I always fed it left-over butter chicken. It loved it.'

By NIK SIMON · Daily Mail

Published: Saturday, 10 October 2026 at 1:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Max Hicks discussed his unconventional sporting background and expressed openness to playing internationally for England.
Hicks qualifies for England through his Cornwall-born mother, though he has not had contact with coach Steve Borthwick.
Before turning professional, Hicks worked as a trainee builder in Auckland alongside current England flanker Ethan Roots.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Newcastle's new signing Max Hicks has opened up about his unconventional journey to rugby, his multi-sport upbringing, and the potential to represent England internationally. The 27-year-old forward, who qualifies for England through his mother, previously played hockey, Australian rules football, and worked as a builder in New Zealand alongside Exeter Chiefs flanker Ethan Roots before signing with Newcastle.

Hicks arrived at Newcastle following a stint with Perpignan in France, where his turnover numbers ranked among the best in the Top 14. Despite drawing comparisons to LeBron James from Brian O'Driscoll after his first two Premiership matches, Hicks confirmed he has not yet had contact with England head coach Steve Borthwick.

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