Gold Coast’s Josh Hall has made a surprise move to rugby league, signing a two-year deal with Penrith from next season.
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A former rugby league junior and high jumper, Hall has spent the past three years with the AFL club, playing seven games for the senior side after being selected as the 94th pick in the 2012 draft.
Hall’s code-swap is the biggest shock of nine Suns to be leaving the club at the end of their disastrous 2015 season.
Timmy Sumner, Andrew Raines and Greg Broughton have announced their retirements from the sport while high-profile pair Harley Bennell and Charlie Dixon will seek moves during October’s trade period.
Hall joins delisted rookies Tyrone Downie, Jarred Ellis and Louis Herbert as confirmed departures from the Suns.
After undergoing a shoulder reconstruction in 2014, Hall made just two appearances for the Suns in 2015 and is now set for a return to the 13-a-side game.
Panthers boss Phil Gould said he was impressed with the Townsville product’s desire to make a successful switch between the codes.
“From the first time I met Josh I was impressed with his personality and enthusiasm,” Gould said.
“He possesses great athletic ability and if desire counts for anything, he has a bright future ahead of him.
“Josh is well aware of the challenges he faces but a successful transition will no doubt inspire others to follow.
“It won’t be easy for Josh but we will do everything in our power to make his dream a reality.”
The Panthers start pre-season training in November.
Monsieur Gustave
Guest
He'll probably win the Daily Planet medal with the skills he learned at the Sunnies. Why would the man bother? Really just quit and get a uni degree. He won't get anywhere in NRL.
bart
Guest
Penrith falafel land !!, do you even know your Sydney Geography ?.
josh
Guest
They don't use banjo's where he's going, according to Eddie it's Falafel town.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Meh, good luck to him. It was his athleticism and leap which the Suns noticed in the first place, he might be able to use that in a specific Folau-type role, but with his current build, if a forward gets hold of him, he's going to snap him in two.
Freo As
Guest
The bloke can't seem to make up his mind about what sport he wants to play.
bart
Guest
One more thing that annoys me, this articles title, ...... why isn't Hall swapping AFL for NRL, according to the title he is he is swapping AFL for Rugby League. In fact he is swapping Australian football for Rugby league, are the editors to scared to write this ?.
bart
Guest
He can trade it for a banjo.
bart
Guest
So, now he is a project player, but when he was in his early 20's he wasn't ?. RL is a violent brutal game, looking at his physique beach volleyball is his go.
Bill C
Guest
Couldn't cut it, so he lowered his ambitions to suit his ability.
Redb
Roar Guru
What a coup for the NRL ;)
Epiquin
Roar Guru
Given that he is a high-jump champion, if he can bulk up around 5kg he will make a spectacular winger. He also played League as a junior so he won't have to learn the game from scratch.
josh
Guest
Apparently he turned up to his new club wearing a lifejacket telling them he was lucky he got out just in time.
bart
Guest
I thought Josh Hall was a ex high jumper and a very good one, RL does not seem a great fit TBH, he seems too lightly built and tall. 1.97 metres tall and 87 Kilos, call the ambulance now. But good luck to him.