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.
Niall
Guest
Believe me mate there is no player in the super league on a multi million contract.
Tripehound
Guest
For too long too many UK clubs have relied on importing NRL players for the scrum half and stand off roles, instead of developing their own juniors to play these positions. Kids at the amateur clubs are having their natural flair and panache coached out of them as they are moulded into more of a utility role, this, it appears has been part of a coaching strategy for a more formulated style/game plan through the RL's coaching pathway. Indeed even at international level any incumbent GB/England coach for over 20 years has been choosing loose forwards to play at 6 (Phil Clarke, Andy Farrell, Paul Sculthorpe, Kevin Sinfield) at the expense of some excellent natural halves, Tommy Martyn, Lee Briers spring to mind. Indeed Danny Brough should have been playing in the halves for England for the last 5 or 6 six years but due to issues with coach Steve McNamara has been kept out of the limelight playing for Scotland. For info I hear St Helens have been sounding out Benji Marshall and that Akuila Uate has already signed for Warrington.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
The idea that the pommy super league is a dumping ground for supposed washed up NRL players is a bit of a furphy. For ever and a day aussie league players have been having an extended European vacation in the old dart and loved every minute of it. It was never considered as some sort of retirement / prolong your career move. It's just the way the game was then. It's funny that we now have a few success stories in the likes of James graham, hodgkinson, read, and that other pom in the forwards at Canberra. All great players in their own right, whether they fit into a structure at the balmain tigers or the salford devils.
Wascally Wabbit
Guest
The UK already has Mo Farah. I hope Souths have No Farah. Should go to the Sharks.
Nat
Roar Guru
Agreed. NRL has beens are choking up the pathways to nurture and identify young English talent. How can we expect a strong international league?
Heich
Guest
Farah should leave Tigers. If he wishes/ wants to be a one club player and legend. You have to perform to the standards that your coach and players want. You dont have to control most of the game yourself. I think he is much a selfish player, he controls the game a lot more than his halves pairing of Moses and Brooks. That is why he is being demoted to reserve grade. If the Coach think you dont perform well or distribute the ball well to your halves to control the game. It definitely means you are a selfish player
bigJ
Guest
well its looks like the English League is the new dumping ground for the NRL has beens, never will be's and cant keep out of trouble bees, the sharks are no longer avaible for this as they are come togther quite well this year. But why not send these players on mutli million dollars contracts overseas, hell i would.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Always will be?
Arnold Krewanty
Guest
But it is, and always will be.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
+1
Tom Rock
Expert
Benji is going nowhere. He would understand his best move, if no Aussie team snaps him up, is into the Fox Sports booth. If he goes to the UK, he will be out of sight and out of mind. And there are no shortage of aging footy players lining up to take his place, pull a Mick Ennis and transition smoothly into a lucrative television career.
jamesb
Guest
English Super League shouldn't be a dumping ground for old or misbehaving NRL players. We want the standard of the ESL to rise
Russ
Guest
Condescending piece of writing.
Giles T
Guest
Farah to the UK ??? Oh yes please; anywhere but Cronulla