Opinion
The UK Super League is set to resume on August 2 but without the Wolfpack, with the Canadian side planning to pull out for the remainder of this year’s competition.
The simple lost of home ticket revenue, sponsorship and merchandise was too much for the newly promoted club, leaving many Australian and New Zealand players stranded until next season.
It’s been reported that already Sonny Bill Williams and centre Ricky Leutele have garnered interest from NRL clubs, but precaution must be taken. Even if these players were to sign for the remainder of 2020, they would only be available for as few as six matches after flights and logistics are organised, as well as a mandatory two-week quarantine upon arrival.
However, Williams coming off the bench in a finals match is a tantalising thought for any team. Clubs would be foolish not to extend their interest for SBW and the other Wolfpack players, who could offer considerate depth and value.
Let’s have a look at what clubs best suit players if they were to return to the NRL.
Sonny Bill Williams
The first player on everyone’s minds.
One of the most talented players to grace a football field, Williams could prove lethal coming off the bench or even starting come finals time. It would be remiss not to mention reports in the past suggest Williams would only return to the NRL with the Sydney Roosters due to a handshake he has with chairman Nick Politis.
With the defending premiers going through their own injury setbacks with Victor Radley, Sam Verrills and now Angus Crichton all on the sideline, an SBW return in the red, white and blue could help the Chooks claim that illustrious three-peat.
Sonny Bill Williams (Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)
Another club that should be on the phone to Williams’ agent is the Canberra Raiders, who have been decimated in recent weeks by injury to key forwards.
Having upset the Roosters at the SCG last round, the Green Machine have enough heart to be there again come finals time. Add Sonny Bill into the mix and they could go one better this year.
Darcy Lussick
Even with SBW stealing the limelight, Lussick is the most interesting prospect to me.
Known as the Wolfpack’s enforcer these last two years and with over 100 games in the NRL already, a reunion at Manly could be the perfect fit.
The Sea Eagles found their groove again in an upset over the Eels last round, but before that they were struggling. Their biggest weakness, their depth, was being tested and fringe first graders were asked to shoulder the load.
Allowing Lussick to storm from the bench on a premiership capable side, under the tutelage of Des Hasler? That’s a sight I want to see.
If a Manly reunion was off the cards, Lussick could create a great 1-2 punch with Josh Papalii at Canberra. However, maybe the most intriguing spot for Lussick could be at Souths. Already reeling from the losses of John Sutton and Sam Burgess, Wayne Bennett is now without Tom Amone and Ethan Lowe for the remainder of the year.
They are looking for a leader and a player who never backs down. Lussick could be that man.
Ricky Leutele
Leutele joined Toronto last year as the highest-paid centre in the world and many questioned if he could live up to the reported $AUD800,000 price tag.
But in 27 games in 2019, he scored 18 tries. Compare that to his 129 NRL career with Cronulla, where he only scored 30 tries.
Leutele is an NRL premiership-winning centre with the Sharks in 2016 and has gone on to present Samoa six times. What he can provide is consistent value, great defence, and big-game experience.
With the Warriors losing both Ken Maumalo and David Fusitua after this round’s match against the Roosters, the Auckland side will be desperate for some outside backs.
If Leutele makes himself available, there is no doubt he could be a handy pick up for them.
Throw in recent injuries to Souths and Penrith, who gave lost Brian To’o and Dean Where in recent weeks, many clubs would line up for Leutele.
Josh McCrone
If I’m being honest, signing a 33-year-old Josh McCrone wouldn’t be high on my recruitment list. He played over 150 games for Canberra and St George but was never a standout performer.
The clubs I see looking at McCrone are toward the bottom of the ladder.
If the Warriors get rid of Blake Green before the season finishes, maybe McCrone goes there. He could be handy with the Bulldogs, but they already have plenty of halves.
One destination that could be possible however is the North Queensland Cowboys. Captain Michael Morgan remains out injured, as does Scott Drinkwater. Jake Clifford and debutant Deajarn Asi played together in their loss against Penrith, but are still young.
McCrone could be valuable in Townsville, providing depth and helping develop young halves on the rise.
Chase Stanley
A player decimated by injury and on the wrong side of 30, Stanley only played 110 games across ten years in the NRL.
Since 2018 he has only played 18 games for Toronto, but the Warriors, Rabbitohs and Penrith could see some value in bringing on a veteran who covers many positions across the back five.
Bodene Thompson
I was always a big fan of Bodene Thompson. Across three clubs, he played 143 games as a handy forward who provided a point of difference in attack – a poor man’s Feleti Mateo but with slightly more athletic ability. He has a nice offload, good footwork and can slot into the backline if need be.
Clubs would be foolish not to have a look at Thompson, especially the Raiders. I know they have been mentioned with most players, but if you look at their injury list you can see why.
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