LIST: Five current Rugby League stars who would star in union
Rugby NewsWednesday, 14 April 2021 at 11:55
On the back of Ratu Naulago's star turn for Bristol Bears following his move from Hull FC during the winter, here are five current rugby league stars who we think could thrive in union.
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.
Jake Wardle | Centre | Huddersfield Giants
This 22 year old centre enjoyed a serious breakthrough year in 2020.
Though the Huddersfield-born man made his first team debut in 2018, he evolved into one of Huddersfield's most important players last season.
An all-action player, he bagged five tries in 17 appearances in all competitions, but it was his eye-catching line breaks, relentless running and ferocious defence which really caught the eye.
An all-action player, he bagged five tries in 17 appearances in all competitions, but it was his eye-catching line breaks, relentless running and ferocious defence which really caught the eye.
His late season form was seen by many as good enough to step up to the international stage and he could have had his chance without the ongoing pandemic limiting his chances.
With under 40 league appearances to his name to date, the young star is still finding his path in the game, but would have all the attributes to develop into a fine outside back - comfortable as a centre or a winger - in rugby union.
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