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Opinion

Which NRL players could make the switch for the 2027 Rugby World Cup?

Roar Rookie
5th April, 2022
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Roar Rookie
5th April, 2022
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Australia has been announced as the preferred host for the 2027 Rugby World Cup and there is going to be a strong appetite for the Wallabies to be competitive at the tournament.

Depth is of most concern.

The purists will argue we need to nurture from within, however there is a wider skill-set to access and we need to be open minded.

When Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri and Mat Rogers made the switch in the early 2000s, it was a fantastic move. Although we just fell short of World Cup glory, all three played crucial parts throughout the ’03 campaign.

There is no doubt that there is a brilliant crop of players coming through Australian rugby at the moment and they will be at an optimum age come 2027.

But there are so many talented athletes running around in the NRL who could make the switch.

Obviously Tom Trbojevic and Josh Addo-Carr would be brilliant, while Payne Haas could play No.8, but none of these players have history in rugby union and would require at least two years to get up to speed – as Sailor and Rogers did (Tuqiri had previous exposure to the 15-person game).

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There are three NRL players that stand out who will be mid-to-late 20s and have had a reasonable exposure.

Angus Crichton
He played schoolboy rugby for Australia and clearly would have the work-rate for a backrower. His technique might need some work in defence, given the cards that come out these days, but he certainly has the motor and winning mentality, having won a premiership and Origin series.

He would also be a terrific role model for the next generation coming through.

Angus Crichton of the Roosters celebrates with teammates

(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Cameron Murray
Where he would play, I’m unsure, but possibly centre, although that is one of the hardest positions to defend in.

Sonny Bill Williams took a season or two, while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has been excellent most of the time – and will be gold next year – but when he is out a fraction, it has resulted in seven points to the opposition.

Murray has great vision and can attack and defend intelligently. He is also a great talker on the field and, again, an inspiration to the next generation.

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Joseph Suaalii
He is young and has had injuries, but he would be in the prime of his career in 2027.

His brief appearances have shown a kid up to the challenge. He seems level headed and a few seasons in NRL will hold him in good stead for a global event.

There are obviously many talented athletes who could switch, but time would be required. The two codes are completely different these days and require specific skill sets. Although everyone praises a successful switch, many have not worked out.

Sonny Bill and Brad Thorn stand out for the All Blacks while Michael O’Connor, Ricky Stuart and Ray Price fly the flag in Australia from union to league, and Sailor, Tuqiri and Rogers the other way. Many others have not lived up to their potential, but all have been exciting.

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Should Rugby Australia go this way? should RA back the youth coming through at all costs? Do the Wallabies have the depth? Do the Wallabies need a Trbojevic?

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The money would be an issue but the exposure and excitement for the game and the individuals would be life-changing.

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