NRL publication looks to solve “scrap heap of failed Super League outside backs” comparing England star with ex-Leeds Rhinos trio and more

It’s fair to say that in general English forwards seem to enjoy more success in the NRL than backs.

It seems strange to say given the talent which has left Super League for the NRL in the last decade.

Three of the star players who led Leeds Rhinos to the treble in 2015 in the shape of England stars Zak Hardaker, Kallum Watkins and Ryan Hall all had a shot at the NRL.

All are quality players and their ability to shine against the Australians has been shown by their success against Australia in an England shirt.

Despite that the three scored just one NRL try between the three of them.

Meanwhile, Joe Burgess, again another brilliant Super League winger, is another example as he spent just 12 months down under before returning to Wigan Warriors.

Now Australian publication ZeroTackle has looked to address why this happens describing it as “a scrap heal of failed Super League outside backs.” They have done so by comparing the plight of these star signings with England’s breakout star of the Rugby League World Cup.

Dom Young scored tries for fun in 2022 for the Newcastle Knights and took that into an England shirt keeping Ryan Hall out of the side as he scored nine tries in the tournament including four in one half against Greece.

Young made the move from Huddersfield Giants but instead of being thrust into the first team at the Knights was time in the reserve grade alongside ex-Castleford Tigers back Bailey Hodgson.

ZeroTackle suggest that it was this that proves the difference comparing him to the who they called “the English Billy Slater” Sam Tomkins who, despite being one of the all time great Super League fullbacks didn’t have the expected success in the NRL.