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Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray has left the door ajar for a huge cross-code move, saying he will “think about” moving to rugby union ahead of the 2027 World Cup – but only when he comes off contract in 2025.
Murray, 25, has been name-dropped by Eddie Jones on a few occasions since being announced as Wallabies coach in January.
The league-loving rugby coach, who grew up watching the Rabbitohs at the Sydney Cricket Ground, told SEN last month that Murray would be a “fantastic 12” after being asked if there was one player from the NRL he would like to coach.
Murray, of course, grew up playing rugby. He was the Newington First XV captain and was highly thought of as an inside centre with his hole running a feature of his game.
But the NRL pounced on Murray and the schoolboy prodigy joined the club he grew up supporting and went on to become the Rabbitohs’ rookie of the year in his maiden season in 2017.
Cameron Murray has left the door ajar for a huge cross-code switch. Photo: Chris Hyde/Getty Images
Murray considered a cross-code switch when former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika went hard at signing the rising star.
The talented back-rower, who has gone on to become a regular in the NSW State of Origin side, even penned a letter to Rugby Australia thanking them for their interest.
Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, the back-rower said his focus was on entirely on representing South Sydney but he would consider his future when he comes off contract in 2025 – the same year the Wallabies host the British and Irish Lions.
“I’m contracted for three years, that’s where my focus is, and beyond that, the time will come to think about my future,” Murray told the Herald.
“I haven’t heard anything from Eddie. I haven’t heard from anyone, really.
“I’m not someone who will say, ‘I’m happy to win a few comps and then go somewhere else’. This club means too much to me to just tick off a few comps and then leave.
“If the time comes and I’m off contract, and I’m negotiating my future, I’ll think about it then. I loved school rugby. I’ll still watch the big internationals, but I don’t want much sport at all.”
Murray’s teammate Lachlan Ilias – a former Australian Schoolboys representative – said he was not surprised Jones was interested in luring the star forward across to rugby.
“Eddie is trying to target the best players in league, Cam is one of those players, and he could play any position in rugby, except prop,” Ilias said.
“But Cam is also one of the faces of this organisation, and I couldn’t see him going anywhere. Whatever sport he plays he’s good at.”
Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan (L) says Cameron Murray would be a “zinger” for rugby union. Photo: Matt King/Getty Images
Last week, Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan backed the pursuit of the talented league star.
“Cameron Murray could be a zinger for the World Cup in Australia, which would be incomparable to anything he has done,” McLennan told The Roar.
The Roar previously revealed that RA was only prepared to offer current Wallabies star Samu Kerevi a short-term deal. The decision adds weight to the idea the governing body could be preparing to go after Murray.
While Joseph Suaalii is set to stay on at the Roosters for 2024, the teenage sensation is still firmly in RA’s sights.
Both players are considered key pursuits ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Wallabies star French bound
Weeks after Reece Hodge’s departure to Bayonne was confirmed, his national teammate Pete Samu is set to join him in France.
French publication RugbyRama reports Bordeaux-Begles have signed the star back-rower on a two-year deal.
Brumbies star Pete Samu is set to head to the French Top 14. Photo: Kelly Defina/Getty Images
The 31-year-old joined the Brumbies following the 2018 season after making his name at the Crusaders, where he won consecutive Super Rugby titles.
He has since gone on to become a key cog for the Brumbies and Wallabies, where his versatility and ball-playing ability have been a feature of his game.
His move was expected, and the Brumbies have the depth to manage the international back-rower’s departure.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.