Following my list of the NRL’s worst career moves, I decided it was time to take a more positive approach to my writing.
The following list is compiled of five players who skyrocketed their careers by moving clubs.
5. Martin Taupau to the Wests Tigers (2014)
After an injury-ravaged start to his career at the Bulldogs, Taupau sought after fresh waters for the 2014 season. The Tigers were the lucky team to secure his signature, and allow him to establish his dominance over the next two years.
Taupau, or ‘Kapow’ as he is better known, turned himself into one of the most feared players in the competition, and at the end of 2015, signed a lucrative deal with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.
If he had stayed at the Belmore-based club, he may have never got the chance to shine.
4. Chad Townsend to the Cronulla Sharks (2016)
I made the mistake of being too harsh on Trent Hodkinson in the previous list, I now acknowledge that he has only spent a season with Newcastle, and his career is not dead. However I’m going to make the same mistake here with Townsend.
Stuck behind Shaun Johnson’s shadow at the Warriors, Townsend’s move to the shire gave him a chance to stand out, and stand out he has.
Cronulla look set to make a strong run to their maiden premiership, and it will be off the back of Townsend’s stellar form, along with their other superstars of course.
3. Blake Austin to the Canberra Raiders (2015)
Moving from Penrith to the Wests Tigers got him noticed, but his form since arriving in the nation’s capital is the reason his move to the Raiders has him on this list.
He had a big push for Origin the last two years, and has the footwork and ball skills to succeed on the big stage.
Ricky Stuart was willing to risk it on Blake and the risk is paying off.
2. Nathan Peats to the Parramatta Eels (2014)
Issac Luke was killing it at South Sydney, and little old Nathan Peats was forced to watch to superstar hooker go about his business.
A move to Parramatta is just what Peats needed, as he developed himself into one of the best dummy halves in the competition.
If not for salary cap dramas forcing him out of the club, he would still be tearing it up in blue and gold. Well Eels blue and gold, not Titans blue and gold.
1. Johnathan Thurston to the North Queensland Cowboys (2005)
Are you surprised? Didn’t think so. The famous JT moved away from the Bulldogs after being told he was too small, and made his way to the Cowboys. He played in a grand final in his first season there and you knew he was destined for something great.
Now, 11 years after his transfer, he is regarded as the best modern day rugby league player, and a future immortal.
There’s no doubting the Doggies messed up big time with this one, with Thurston in their team I don’t doubt that they could’ve won the finals in both 2012 and 2014.
Griffo
Guest
If you look at premiership sides you'll probably find a few good examples of players making good career moves to cone to the club. Lachlan Coote and Justin O'Neill both made pretty good career moves to come to the Cowboys, not just because they've won a premiership but they're also acheiving career best football in a good team environment. Before that, Brian Norrie going to the storm.
Matth
Guest
Darius Boyd to wherever Wayne Bennett is. Jamie Soward to St George Scott Prince from Brisbane to Wests Tigers Ash Taylor from Broncos to Titans Every journeyman to Melbourne And some oldies: Steve Edge from st George to Parramatta Johnny Raper from Newtown to St George
andrew
Guest
Paul Gallen to the Sharks. If he stayed with Parramatta he never would have won a comp... oh what? he still hasn't...
Jara W
Guest
Well except the Palmer United Party
Jara W
Guest
Glenn Lazarus to Anywhere
The Barry
Roar Guru
In hindsight the Dogs messed up with Thurston but at the time he was stuck behind Anasta and Sherwin and wasn't going to get past them any time soon. He was a very good back up player but he wasn't kicking the door down to get selected. Anasta and Sherwin were quality at the time - although neither lasted all that long. The Dogs got to within one game of the GF in 2006 - so JT probably wouldn't have got a run until at least 2007, by which time he'd made a GF and played for Queensland and Australia. Even if he hadn't gone to the Cowboys I doubt he would have been at the Dogs by 2012. It was also a pretty toxic environment at the Bulldogs for a few years there. Who knows what damage he could have done to his career by sticking around? Thurston moving to the Cowboys was the best thing that could have happened to rugby league. I think most Dogs supporters would feel the same. If it weren't for the dogs he wouldn't have got a start in the NRL.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Terry Lamb - Wests to the Bulldogs
The EYE-BALL Opinion
Roar Pro
Townsend was exposed badly against the Storm for his weak defence, and having Maloney [leader in missed tackles all season along side], means opposition will target them more. As for ‘Kapow’ – worst buy by Manly, he played this season for the money and never showed any heart as a player trying to earn his wages. Peats has hit a plateau and struggles with his defence workload. Austin’s year has been average in a team with shinning stars all over the park. So in all I would say apart from Thurston your player choices have all hit a brick wall on their latest moves. What about Milford’s move to the Bronco’s, Cheyse Blair’s move to the Storm, Joseph Tapine and Joseph Leilua moves from Newcastle to Canberra, Agnatius Paasi from the Warriors, and quite a few others who have improved this season.
The EYE-BALL Opinion
Roar Pro
peeeko
Guest
maloney is playing at the sharks. When SJ was out injured at the Warriors last year Townsend was found wanting horribly. i have seen many better moves than his