Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield, Warrington Wolves boss Sam Burgess, Leigh Leopards winger Josh Charnley and many many more; we have seen movement between codes frequently in years gone by.
However, it more often than not feels like this is a one way street however with more rugby league figures leaving for the 15 man code than come the other way.
The last notable signing from rugby union in Super League was Luther Burrell who has been open about wanting a return lately.
But all in all, there has been an absence of movement from the 15 man game to rugby league but that trend could be about to change in the NRL. Sydney Roosters were the first and now St George Illawarra Dragons have now been linked with a move of their own.
New Zealand Super Rugby star Hugh Renton is reportedly in talks to be the next code-hopper into the NRL as per News Corp with the publication reporting that the backrower is in talks with St George over the move.
Renton is 27 years old and it is believed that he could easily transition to the 13 man code and the Dragons are in talks over signing him as they begin a new era under Shane Flanagan.
The rugby union signing spree may not end there either. The Wests Tigers are reportedly aiming to poach cross-code star Solomon Alaimalo according to Zero Tackle.
Alaimalo played for the Chiefs and Highlanders before taking a break from the sport in 2021 to deal with depression and anxiety.
“He’s got a good mix of speed, step and power,” Alaimalo’s manager Gavin Orr told Wide World of Sports last month. The guy has everything it takes to be a real success in the NRL.”
He would be a surprise signing for the struggling Tigers but one with plenty of experience and ability to make it in the NRL. We have seen another player make the switch lately. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is coming back to rugby league after an ill-fated time in rugby union.
But still the 15 man game comes for rugby league’s biggest stars. In Australia that is especially the case. After a disappointing World Cup, Rugby Australia is hoping to splash the cash ahead of hosting the World Cup in 2027 which has made the likes of Nathan Clearly, Cameron Munster and Angus Crichton targets. They have already signed Joseph Suaali’i from Sydney Roosters.
Lately in the UK we have seen Hull FC fullback Jamie Shaul and his former teammate and Castleford Tigers winger Bureta Faraimo leave for the 15 man game as well.
But with Kevin Sinfield set to leave the England set up in rugby union could we be about to see one of Super League’s best return to the 13 man game in some capacity?
