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Let me first state that I’m not saying that rugby league needs to poach these players. The game is in good shape. However, if the NRL war chest was opened, and they could afford to approach any rugby union player they wanted to, the following Wallabies should be at the top of that list.
I only implemented two rules:
1, They had to be Australian Rugby Union contracted players – not players from other countries. (This prevents me from picking Sonny Bill Williams, Craig Gower, etc.)
2, I wasn’t allowed to pick wingers. It’s far too easy to simply pick someone who can catch the ball and run very fast. (Settle down, all you old ex-wingers. I’m not mocking your skill-set, and I know you do much more than that. I’m merely suggesting that your abilities lend themselves very easily to rugby league, and it would therefore make this list too easy.)
So, with those rules in place, here is a list of the rah-rahs that would make excellent mungo’s:
Phil Waugh
With his toughness, scant regard for his health/safety, and ability to make hard-earned metres carrying the ball look very easy, is there any player better suited to be a rugby league prop?
It’s often been stated that forwards from both codes would struggle to make the switch between rugby league and rugby union, such is the difference in required skills, but I actually think Waugh would make a superstar front-rower. He has a low centre of gravity, is incredibly strong, would take a lot of stopping, and his defence is nothing short of brilliant.
His incredible nose for the rugby ball would be wasted in league, as he wouldn’t have the ability to pilfer the ball, but nonetheless, I have little doubt that Waugh would make a tremendous impact packing the scrum in a rugby league team.
Adam Ashley-Cooper
‘Coops’ owns potentially the most impressive leg power I’ve seen in any footballer. From any code.
Next time you watch him play, count the amount of times he breaks the first tackle. And even if the tackler doesn’t drop off, Coops will normally ‘drag’ the defender with him a few metres until help arrives. He really can get those pistons pumping. What rugby league team couldn’t use that ability in the second row?
No question Coops could also play in the centres, but I think he’d more effective running out on the fringes, and with his ball skills, he could easily off-load to teammates backing him up.
Rugby league attacks thrive on creating opportunities via drawing in more than one defender, and it certainly takes more than one defender to stop Ashley-Cooper.
Quade Cooper
With his vision, flair and attacking instincts, this one is a bit of a no-brainer.
Cooper has silky smooth hands, a good kicking game, and a few tricks up his sleeve. At his unpredictable best, he would make an outstanding rugby league five-eight. Even his defence, considered a weak link in rugby, could be more easily hidden in league.
Parramatta obviously felt the same, because there were reports the Eels were chasing the signature of the Wallaby playmaker last year. Cooper decided to instead sign a one year contract with the ARU, primarily because he wanted to play in the World Cup in September, but look for rumours of a league switch to surface again once the tournament ends.
James O’Connor
I know he plays on the wing for the Wallabies, but seeming as he has been playing number 10 for the Western Force this season, I don’t think I’m breaking one of my own rules. Hey, they’re my rules anyway! Who cares if I break them?!
O’Connor has a vast array of skills with the ball, and combines them with blistering pace and fantastic footwork. He’s even a handy goal-kicker. Above all, he also possesses just a little bit of cheek about him. Altogether, it makes an attractive package, and one that is suited perfectly to a rugby league halfback.
He seems to thrive on responsibility, and the more that is expected of him, the better he plays. Giving him the number 7 jersey, and telling him the team is his to run, would only result in good things.
Will Genia
I was tempted to pick Rocky Elsom, but his rampaging style, both in attack and defence, is much better suited to rugby union. And funnily enough, his height could potentially work against him in the 13-a-side game. There is also the small fact that he played rugby league for the Bulldogs, and I knew someone would comment that he has already played league and lacked a massive impact!
So instead, I’ve gone for the wily little Wallaby half-back, who would be a sensation at hooker in league. I can easily envisage some damaging darts out of dummy-half; some clever short kicks; some deft passing to players running onto the ball; and the list goes on.
Genia is also an excellent defender, who wouldn’t shirk his responsibilities defending in the middle of the park. And whichever halves were lucky enough to play alongside him, would be assured of some quick and quality service, from both the ruck and scrums.
I think he would prove to be a real difference maker. Best of all, unlike every other player I’ve selected, he wouldn’t even have to change his number.