Rugby union set to raid rugby league for star players

We have seen the likes of Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Hull FC and Hull KR transfer announcements in the weeks gone by.

This comes as many clubs look to the NRL for transfers. We have seen Hull KR bring in Oliver Gildart and Peta Hiku from down under.

Warrington have signed Lachlan Fitzgibbon from the Newcastle Knights beating Super League rivals to his signature.

Leeds Rhinos meanwhile have been linked with the likes of former Huddersfield Giants hooker Danny Levi whilst another ex Giant is headed to Wigan Warriors from the NRL in the shape of Kruise Leeming.

Though Super League is a potential destination for NRL stars, there is another.

There has been talk for a while that rugby union is set to raid rugby league for talent especially in Australia ahead of the 2027 World Cup which will be held down under.

They have already signed generational talent Joseph Suaali’i from Sydney Roosters.

Now Australia coach Eddie Jones has been spotted at Queensland training and has not been shy about naming his potential targets.

“Munster could play any game, couldn’t he?,” Jones said via News Corp

“And definitely Tino (Fa’asuamaleaui) could play in the back row in rugby. (David) Fifita would be the same. They would be great backrowers.”

“You’ve got Munster who is a warrior, isn’t he? Whatever team he plays for he makes them play better,” he said.

“Then you’ve got Harry Grant who has something a bit special around the ruck.

“The two guys who’ve really impressed me are two of the veterans in Ben Hunt and DCE (Daly Cherry-Evans). They’re in their middle 30s, but they’re so fit and dedicated to the game.”

“We want to get back players who played rugby and are maybe playing rugby league now and want to come back,” Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan added.

“We’re just focused on the World Cup now. It’s challenging, but also a fantastic opportunity because we can’t be any lower in rugby at the moment.

“This is our opportunity to create a different picture for people about rugby.”

Following this, Rugby Pass has reported that Eddie Jones is set to sign three or four NRL stars in time for the World Cup.