Seduced by dreams of travel and two-for-one deals at Tesco, thousands of young Aussies and Kiwis take the trip across the planet each year to make a new home for themselves in the UK.
For many this turns into the experience of a lifetime. In some cases, though, the budding adventurers find themselves falling on tough times.
Before they know it their dreams of travel are dashed. They’re forced into pulling out Fosters at the local walkabout and sharing bedrooms with a Polish marquee-rigger the size of a small family-car, just to make ends meet.
Likewise, the fortunes of the many NRL players who choose to ply their trade in the Super League (ESL) can also yield mixed results.
For every Brett Kenny streaking away to glory at Wembley there is a Matt Orford putting out witch’s hats on minus-four degree mornings in Bradford.
To highlight this fact, here are six former NRL players who have swapped Bondi for Blackpool in recent seasons.
Here is a rundown on how their fortunes have fared.
Craig Gower (London)
Then: Penrith golden boy who decided his team needed less miraculous premierships and more cracks at chatting up Mitchell Pearce’s sister.
Now: After getting sick of leading the Italian rugby-union team to heroic 50-point losses against the All Blacks, Craig decided to make his comeback this season to rugby league.
The fact that London Broncos have won two out of their opening thirteen games is probably an indication of why your captain and key playmaker probably shouldn’t be a guy who peaked nine seasons ago.
Likely future: Picking up lunch for Phil Gould from Panthers’ league club and not being invited to any of Jack Newton’s celebrity golf days.
Josh Perry (St Helens)
Then: Big ugly penalty-merchant who played for Newcastle and Manly.
Now: Big ugly penalty-merchant playing for St Helens.
Likely Future: Big ugly penalty-merchant playing for Cessnock Goannas.
Brett Hodgson (Warrington)
Then: Wests Tigers inspirational fullback. Should also be honoured for doing his best to try and keep Gordon Tallis on a football field, and thus far away from a commentator’s microphone.
Now: Despite being scrawnier than the bloke stuck behind George Rose at a buffet, “Ragdoll” Hodgson has carved out a successful career for himself in the ESL, being a key part of teams at Huddersfield and now Warrington.
With the Wolves near the top of the ladder another premiership isn’t out of the question.
Likely future: Coaching Western Suburbs Magpies Harold Matthew’s team and resisting the pleas of Tiger’s fans to come back and replace Tim Moltzen.
Jeff Lima (Wigan)
Then: Gun Kiwi front-rower who helped carry the Storm to a (now disqualified) premiership.
Not to be confused with the high-profile recruit currently masquerading as a prop at the Wests Tigers.
Now: Played a huge role in Wigan’s 2011 Challenge Cup success and has consistently been one of their strongest players. On the downside, he is still forced to hang out with Brett Finch to make a living.
Likely future: Turning 42 and being signed by Parramatta.
Joel Monaghan (Warrington)
Then: Dogged Canberra back who was hounded out of the NRL after a complete mongrel act. Enough about his time with Charmyne Palavi, though…
Now: Scoring lots of tries for a team whose mascot name is “Wolfie”. That-a-boy!
Likely future: Will have a good career in the ESL before unleashing himself on the NRL once again.
Anthony Watts (Widnes)
Then: Feisty North Queensland sauce-head who enjoyed moonlighting as Robbie Farah’s punching bag.
Now: After missing the 2011 season with the Roosters after coming down with a severe case of hanging-out-with-Todd-Carney-itis, Anthony made the move to Super League newbies Widnes for 2012.
The transition lasted a whole of ten minutes before Watts suffered a season-ending injury.
Despite this setback Widnes knew that they recognized a good bloke when they saw one and graciously offered him a contract extension. He quit the club three days later.
Likely Future: Lurking in Shane Flanagan’s front bushes in the hope that the Sharkie’s coach needs another Rooster’s drop-out in his team.
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