WAYNE Bennett says Blake Austin is under consideration for a call-up to the newly-returned Great Britain side.

The Wire stand-off is eligible via his grandmother, who was born in Middlesex, and has been open about his desire to play for England.

Having scored 18 tries already this season to allow him to lead the try-scoring and Steve Prescott Man of Steel charts, calls for Austin to be chosen for the season-ending tour to New Zealand and Papua New Guinea are growing.

England coach Bennett, who will lead the Lions, says the 28-year-old is in his thoughts.

"I'm going to pick the best team I possibly can," he said.

"If they are eligible they will tell me. I just want the best players on the tour.

"Some names have been thrown at me and there's a few we need to find eligibility for."

"Blake seems to be enjoying his footy here.

"He hasn't always lived up to his talent. Anyone who is eligible and wants to come, they will be part of the mix."

Bennett has welcomed the return of the Great Britain team and is open to selecting non English-born players for it.

"The England part was a bit foreign to me to be honest, I'm very happy to see Great Britain back," he said.

"In Australia it's a household name, it's such a great brand.

"International football is in the best place it's been for a long time."

Bennett is in England and met the England players included in the elite performance squad on Monday night.