"If he got a bit fitter" - Eddie Jones reveals rugby league star he'd like to come to Union
Rugby NewsTuesday, 31 August 2021 at 16:09
Eddie Jones has picked out a rugby league star as someone he'd like to make the switch to rugby union in the future "if he got a bit fitter".
The England boss is contracted by the RFU until after the upcoming Rugby World Cup in 2023, but he has been regularly linked with a move to rugby league.
“Past the World Cup in 2023 I’m open to all offers,” he added when asked about a potential switch to the 13-man code.
“I grew up in a rugby league area around Redfern so I love the Rabbitohs and I love rugby league, it’s in my blood. If there was an opportunity post World Cup then I’d certainly look at it.”
The likes of Jason Robinson, Sam Burgess and Chris Ashton have each represented England with differing success after starting in league.
There are sure to be others who follow the same path, and below we've taken a look at five possibilities.
Rugby league players who could star in Union
#1. Jake Connor | Fullback | Hull FC
With little hesitation, the England head coach singled out Hull FC full-back Connor during a recent interview with Sky Sports.
"I spent a bit of time up at Hull and I like the full-back there, Connor," Jones said.
"He’s a tough, skilful player and I’m sure if he got a bit fitter he could make it."
While his tongue may have been in his cheek when he mentioned Connor’s fitness, his admiration of the full-back was genuine.
Tommy Makinson | Winger | St Helens
The role of an outside back in both codes is largely similar, and Tommy Makinson stands out as a star of Super League most weeks.
Not only does the 29-year-old England international have some remarkable finishing prowess - regularly adding to his impressive highlights reel with his trademark dives to the corner - he is also a proficient kicker, which could give him an important edge should he ever switch codes.
Makinson, who was awarded the Golden Boot as the world's best rugby league player in 2018, has kicked 124 conversions during his career and caught the eye in the 2019 Grand Final when he booted a remarkable 40-yard drop goal at Old Trafford, despite playing the second half of the match having suffered a dislocated shoulder.
Daryl Clark | Hooker | Warrington Wolves
Castleford-born Clark has been one of the leading lights in Super League for almost a decade despite still being only 28 years old.
The hooker - who made his top flight debut in 2011 - was named Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel in 2014 as the league's best player, ahead of a big money switch to Warrington Wolves.
Clark possesses a fine mix of pace, which would make him the ideal rugby union scrum half, and an astute passing ability which has seen him evolve into one of the finest rugby league hookers in the world.
But don't be fooled into thinking that makes him a weaker link in one-v-one defence, the eight-cap England star isn't afraid of bringing some huge hits.
Liam Farrell | Second row | Wigan Warriors
A name which will be familiar to many in the union world, Farrell is a cousin of England captain Owen Farrell, and would be a fine addition to the centres of any rugby union side.
Liam Farrell has moulded himself into one of the modern day greats of the game despite his work sometimes going under the radar.
Aside from a short loan stint at Widnes Vikings, the 30 year old has spent his entire career with hometown club Wigan Warriors, racking up over 250 career appearances and almost 100 tries.
And his eye for the tryline doesn't stop there; he is widely regarded as one of the most efficient assist-makers in Super League.
Although his six foot frame perhaps doesn't suit a place in the rugby union pack, his creativity and strike rate, combined with a surprising turn of pace, would be well suited to a place in the centres of any side.
Although his six foot frame perhaps doesn't suit a place in the rugby union pack, his creativity and strike rate, combined with a surprising turn of pace, would be well suited to a place in the centres of any side.
Jake Trueman | Scrum half | Castleford Tigers
Trueman is an emerging talent from the famed Bradford Bulls academy which has produced countless international stars such as Sam Burgess and so many more.
Trueman was a victim of the Bulls' financial implosion five years ago; he made his debut in the Championship for his home town club before being made a free agent aged 17 as the old club was liquidated.
However, Bradford's loss proved to be Castleford Tigers' gain as he has gone on to establish himself as one of the country's brightest creative stars, despite having only just turned 22.
He has an admirable strike rate of 20 tries in 73 league appearances, but he is so much more than statistics; the youngster has been the fulcrum of an injury-hit Castleford side since 2018.
He has gone through a remarkable number of halfback partners - sharing the role with five different players in 2019 - since scoring a hat-trick at Wigan on his first Tigers start in September 2017, but remained undeterred as he went on to collect international honours two years ago.
The West Bowling amateur club product is a physical player in the mould of Dan Biggar, a Premiership club could do worse than take him on and nurture his skills into a fine fly half prospect.
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