While they’ve given their all for their respective clubs, sometimes players just lose their spark.
Maybe it’s because they’ve gone stale at one club, maybe it’s because of a fall out, or maybe it’s because their style of play just doesn’t work anymore.
Here are the top candidates to finish off their careers in England, hopefully for the better.
Benji Marshall
It’s no secret that Benji Marshall has been a victim of his own success. With a premiership and World Cup win in the first five years of his career, Benji’s famous sidestep because a household move for all young footy players, and still is today.
Fast-forward to 2016 and the former Kiwis five-eighth is struggling to keep a first grade spot. Since 2012 Benji has slowed down and become less elusive, which meant having to simplify his game, however he has struggled in doing so, and a switch to the Super League would do him wonders.
While the quality of players isn’t at the same standard as the NRL, the quality of entertainment that the Super League provides is perfect for Marshall, who could easily expose the more open defences and become a fan favourite.
Robbie Farah
Although Robbie has stated that he loves the Wests Tigers, plenty of club legends have been moved on. With rumours circling that he could move to Cronulla or South Sydney, there still is an option to go over the ditch and finish his career there.
One benefit for Farah is that he’ll be able to watch his beloved Liverpool FC live, but on the footy side of things, his game will be much suited to Super League. There’s no doubt that Farah has been out of sorts in the last few seasons and going over to another competition could just be what he needs to reinvigorate his career.
Akuila Uate
It’s hard to imagine that just a few years ago, Uate was the best winger on earth. Now after a few lean seasons, there’s rumours that the Fijian flier could be off to Manly, however I seriously think Aku could get back to his best in England.
There’s no doubt that Uate still has the qualities that all great modern day wingers have, and with very few Pacific Islanders in the Super League, he very well could become a great asset for any team. He could follow in the footsteps of the likes of Fetuli Talanoa and Mahe Fonua, who are absolutely killing it overseas.
Jarrod Mullen
Sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what you need to turn your career around, and with Mullen’s struggles at Newcastle in the last few years, he could very well turn things around in England.
The highly-touted Newcastle junior has struggled with injury in the last 24 months, and there have been rumours that the Knights are willing to let him go in order to give youngster Brock Lamb a go in the halves with new signing Trent Hodkinson.
As such, the English Super League has been a great haven for NRL players who haven’t quite made their mark, and the same could be said for Mullen, who could reinvigorate his career and possibly even dominate in a competition that has welcomed the likes of Chris Sandow, Blake Green and Scott Dureau.
Will Zillman
Zip Zip Zillman had an unfortunate time at Canberra, succumbing to many different injuries, halting his progress. Since arriving on the Gold Coast, the Queenslander has been able to string together some form, however with the Hayne plane landing, as well as some up and coming backs coming through, it could be in his best interest to head abroad.
He has just turned 30 and playing in the backs can be a tough time. Age has forced many a player to retire, and it would be perfect time for Zillman to join an English club. Many Aussie fullbacks have been successful in the ESL at the wrong side of the 30, with the likes of Brett Hodgson, Matt Bowen and Kurt Gidley, which should give some him confidence.
I’d like to see more NRL players jump ship and head off to the Super League to not only prolong their careers, but also help to promote and spread the word of rugby league as well. There is no doubt that if someone of Benji Marshall’s stature headed over there, they would gain massive attention and possibly even revitalise their careers.
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