Predicting the next five British Super League stars to move to the NRL

Over the years, there have been plenty of Super League players who have gone on to be stars in the NRL. Adrian Morley, James Graham, the Burgess clan and more recently John Bateman have all made the switch to ply their trade in Australia.

There has been plenty of Super League players moving down under for the 2024 season already too, with Kai Pearce-Paul, Will Pryce and Morgan Smithies all agreeing deals with NRL sides; but who could be next?

Serious About Rugby League has broken down the best and brightest talent in Super League to see who we think would make it in the NRL.

Jack Welsby 

The obvious choice for this list. Jack Welsby has been linked with a move down under since his stellar performance in the World Club Challenge, with clubs like Sydney Roosters and St George Illawarra Dragons reportedly circling for him. Welsby already has the makings of a generational talent, and is easily the best full-back in Super League. He will likely play in the NRL at some point in his career, and when he does he should become one of the biggest names in the competition.

Harry Newman

The Leeds Rhinos star is reportedly yet again on the radar of NRL clubs according to reports in Australia from the Daily Telegraph and his performances for England have intensified this interest. Newman is out of contract at the end of 2024 and so could be targeted for the move in the next 12 months.

Harry Smith

Following in the footsteps of George Williams as an exciting Wigan halfback bound for success at club and international level, the next step in following Williams’ path is making the move to NRL and Smith has emerged on many NRL club’s want list for the near future after his performances for both England and Wigan.

Lewis Dodd

Dodd has been on the radar of NRL clubs since his drop goal defeated Penrith Panthers. Wests Tigers came calling but he was warned against joining the struggling Tigers. As a former Grand Final winner, he is on the NRL want list.

Matty Lees

Slowly taking over from his teammate Alex Walmsley as Super League’s best prop, Lees has come into his own over the last two season playing for England and guiding St Helens to success in the 2022 campaign. He fits the bill of the British players who have recently had success in the NRL.