ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Rugby Australia To Go League Shopping

BY Philip Bendon  ·  Thursday May 19, 2022

Rugby Australia looks set to once again poach talent from their biggest rivals the NRL in preparation for their home World Cup in 2027.

ADVERTISEMENT

Top level talent switching codes is not a new phenomenon but by publicly announcing their intentions this far out from the tournament Rugby Australia will have put several of the NRL’s top players and officials on alert.

Speaking in Dublin following the announcement that Australia would be holding the global showpiece in 2027 Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLean had the following to say.

“Andy Marinos and I have been speaking about it,” McLennan told The Sun-Herald. “There are a few good league players who grew up with rugby that he and Dave Rennie have been looking at.”

“These players love the game, and they know that a Rugby World Cup experience in Australia can’t be replicated by league. We’ve already chatted with a few players who are interested in joining us and now that we’ve got the World Cup, I’m sure that those discussions will intensify.”

Whilst there are several top-level league players who would undoubtedly make the Wallabies stronger, it is worth remembering that a code switch can lead to varying results.

ADVERTISEMENT

On the positive side of the spectrum are superstars like Sonny Bill Williams, Israel Folau and Chris Ashton who have seamlessly transitioned without missing a beat.

Whilst other league superstars such as Sam Burgess, Karmichael Hunt and Benji Marshall all struggling to make any lasting impact on the code.

Thus, the conundrum facing Australian Rugby is do they look to fast-track league players in the hope that it leads to a successful World Cup? Or do they focus on developing their own talent and make a push for players looking to switch codes permanently.

ADVERTISEMENT

As former Wallabies captain George Gregan pointed out this is a key component to any players looking to make the switch.

“Before I’d have a chequebook, I’d have an attitude book,” Gregan said. “If their attitude is to compete on an international arena, contribute to the Wallaby team and they want to play the game of rugby and try and get to the heights that it enables you to do, then that’s great. The rest takes care of itself.” He said.

When asked why players may wish to change codes considering the current strength of the NRL from both a playing and followship perspective, Gregan pointed out what Union can offer than neither the NRL or Australian Rules football can.

“Rugby separates itself from those two codes [NRL and AFL] with a Rugby World Cup,” he said. “It’s a global, international event, which attracts the best players in the world and attracts incredible support from all around the world. You’ll play in front of arenas which are sold out over a seven-week period which is pretty unique. The other codes, as great as they are, they just can’t offer that.”

Related Articles

  • 91 WEEKS AGO

    A $1.6 Million Winger From The Roosters Isn't...

  • 101 WEEKS AGO

    Former England Coach Eddie Jones Signs Long...

  • 108 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies New Superstar Torches Wales For...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 10 HOURS AGO

    Bears fly as 100 metre finish already touted as try of the season

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    Hassell-Collins pounces on HUGE Sharks mistake in chaotic scenes

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

View All

Funnies

  • 18 HOURS AGO

    'A dog with a mallet up its arse could’ve written Johnny’s book' Donnacha O'Callaghan

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major makes big claim about rugby

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

View All

Amateur

  • 102 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 102 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 125 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 125 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 125 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Marcus Smith makes big call on his future

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

View All