While Australian rugby’s depth is getting better under Dave Rennie, there continues to be much improvement needed in basic skill execution.
By this I mean catching and passing the ball, tackling and stopping simple errors.
A lot can be learned from rugby league in the way their players execute the basic skills and the intensity at which they perform.
While in my early adult life the skills transfer was from union to league, today the tide needs to run in the other direction.
A fast way to do this is, presumably with a backer like Andrew Forrest, to import talent.
My league team is Sydney Roosters, so I am ignoring some obvious talent in that camp that would improve the Wallabies and Super Rugby.
In alphabetical order, here is my shopping list.
Matt Burton
A player of great versatility and only 22 years old, Burton won an NRL premiership in 2021 with Penrith and his CV now includes two State of Origin starts and a debut against Scotland in the Kangaroos World Cup.
Burton could play rugby at 10, 12 or 15 and possesses an enormous left boot – possibly the highest kick we have ever seen. He is capable of the unexpected and a solid defender.
Lachlan Ilias
Another 22-year-old, Ilias’ 2022 season with South Sydney saw him established as a top-level footballer, as the great Andrew Johns rated him the best defensive halfback in the NRL.
With plenty of time for further improvement his versatility as a rugby junior could see him fit in a number of positions.
Jeremiah Nanai
A mere 19 years of age, this 185cm,104kg wrecking ball is another Kangaroo debutant at this year’s World Cup. Nanai is a must-have target for RA. He would be a sensation at 6 or an absolute terror as a 12.
His 27 NRL appearances have netted 18 tries. Need one say more?
(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images for RLWC)
Junior Paulo
One of the NRL’s heaviest players, weighing 123kg, his 28 years gives him time to convert into a Wallaby front rower. He averages 92 per cent tackle efficiency and has Origin experience.
Daniel Saifiti
Standing at 195cm and weighing 121kg, Daniel has played seven Origin games and would be a top-level lock.
D-Saf averages just under 11 metres per run and his 93 per cent tackle efficiency would be a valuable asset against any All Black 15.
Tom Trbojevic
Talent with a capital T. Dangerous with the ball in hand, he is always looking to move it on when a support player can improve the team’s position.
Super strong and an excellent tackler, Tommy Turbo could easily play at the top level wearing 11 through 14, but I see him as a great 13 in a gold jersey. We have not seen Turbo kick too much so were he to work on that he also screams 15.
Jake Trbojevic
Jake has a huge work rate (78 minutes per game average), is skilled with ball in hand, and represents at the highest level. How straight can he throw a ball? I suspect well enough to move to hooker.
He is also not that short that he could not also slot in at 6 or 7. Not convinced yet, what about his 96 per cent tackle efficiency in 2022? It’s no fluke he is a starting Kangaroo.
At 28 he is a year younger than current Wallaby No.2 Dave Porecki. Both are 1.85m tall and at 107kg, Jake is only a kilo lighter.
So come on Roarers, let’s get into Twiggy’s ear and start recruiting!
Barry Smyth
Roar Rookie
Maybe the transfer fee’s mentioned in the article below could be the way to go. https://www.theroar.com.au/2022/09/30/rugby-union-transfer-fees-how-to-make-them-happen-part-one/
Dionysus
Guest
We have had a few of these articles over the years with much pondering and speculating. All good fun but I got to wondering which Rugby players we can think of that would make it in League ?
Stuart White
Roar Rookie
He'd be a country mile ahead of anything near the wallabies at #15 . Kellaher showing some promise, Hodge is awful - Tom Wright has also flirted with full back and is worse than Hodge.
Stuart White
Roar Rookie
He'd be a walk up starter if I was selecting to play ANYTHING!!!
Stuart White
Roar Rookie
Great article - I have been thinking about this a lot. Scenario play here for a sec. What if RA won the $100M lottery who should they poach from the NRL. Here are my picks: at #15 Jimmy Tedesco, Wingers Joseph Sua'ali'i & Xavier Coates. Centres: Latrell Mitchell and Victor Radley, #10 Nathan Cleary, #9 - Harry Grant. (he would leave opposition having sleepless nights!). You need a couple of reserves too - Joey Manu & Valentine Holmes. I know some players have elected to play for others countries but I get they'd come back for the right deal in Union :)
Dionysus
Guest
You mean someone like Solomona. Nearly 6ft 7in tall, 115kg and good defensively.
Dionysus
Guest
If you honestly believe that, I suggest you try watching a game.
Dionysus
Guest
Agreed. I am an NRL man first and Rugby man second but I don't think of the NRL being superior just different. These two codes are very different games these days.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
That’s your best argument, on a thread that’s ABOUT speculation? What a genius …
Seth
Roar Rookie
NAAAAAAAAAAH !!! We agree to disagree. We have never seen him play in the NRL. It is pure speculation on your behalf to even suggest that he would be " elite "
Revok
Roar Rookie
Lachlan Ilias is a star in NRL already. The boy can motor. Tahs should have made a play for him instead of Edmed. Tane should have gone to the Tigers like his dad Steve.
Censored Often
Roar Rookie
Oh this will trigger the elite…
G money
Roar Rookie
chasing league players only entrenches the idea of league's superiority
Mo
Guest
Illy Sam burgess played 6 for his club but 12 for England and his performance at test 12 didn’t cost that game. He coulda been a very good 12 if not caught up in the feuding
Mo
Guest
Maybe missing Isaac Lucas for a 10 15 guy. Someone said he’s playing well in Japan. I’d hope that Rennies crew have assessed him and used available IP like asking hoops deans Kieren r bbbb Eddie j Steve h b foley etc how they think he’s going. More upside than foley
Guess
Roar Rookie
Theres no bigotry. Not union fans problem you can't accept reality that league players aren't good at union
Guess
Roar Rookie
They can't convert properly as backs even. Few years thrown out of career to adjust at best. Waste of time and money. Everyone needs to realise the games are too different at this point
Guess
Roar Rookie
They can't even transition well as backs
Guess
Roar Rookie
No aru should stop poaching and wasting money on nrl players.
Peter McCormick
Guest
Andrew Walker was a genius.. Keep the rest