David Warner rejects Australian PM Anthony Albanese’s offer to switch NRL loyalty

The Australian and South African cricket players and their families gathered at the prime minister's mansion for the customary New Year's celebrations ahead of the third Test, which begins on Wednesday at the SCG. The final Test match of the three-match series between Australia and South Africa will be a riveting affair.

Though the custom has existed for a number of years across various PMs, PM Anthony Albanese used the occasion to finally approach Warner after trying to persuade him to swap his National Rugby League loyalties. Warner supports the Sydney Roosters, whereas Albo is a dedicated South Sydney Rabbitohs fan.

“We first met in Melbourne after my 200 and he was trying to get me to follow the Rabbitohs then. No chance!,” Warner was quoted as saying by news.com.au.

Albo, though, is not someone who gives it up easily. He cornered Warner and gifted the Australian opener a Rabbitohs cap. Warner made an attempt to hand it to Candice, his wife who is a Rabbitohs fan, as Albo cackled uncontrollably in the background. Warner, though, may have earned some retaliation when the Prime Minister played cricket with his kids and his eight-year-old daughter smashed numerous shots off the PM’s bowling.

Warner aims to play WTC Final

David Warner has been in the news recently and has grabbed the spotlight after hitting a double century against South Africa in the second Test match of the series at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The opening batter reached the milestone in his 100^th Test, becoming the first-ever Australian, and just the second player overall, to achieve the feat.

The 36-year-old had to walk back and retired hurt after scoring the double century as he injured himself while celebrating the milestone. He then returned to bat on the next day but was dismissed on the very first ball he faced. He will now be seen in the Pink-ball Test as the hosts will be aiming for a historic 3-0 whitewash to make their way into the World Test Championship finals.