In recent weeks we have seen Wigan Warriors linked with a stunning move for Owen Farrell as well as speculation that the son of Mike Ford and George Ford, Farrell’s England teammate, could one day take a stab at Super League or even the lower leagues with Oldham.
However, these rumours have been mostly put to rest but there is one Rugby Union international who is keen on the move to rugby league and that is former Wallaby Joe Tomane.
The winger started his career in the 13 man code making 18 appearances for Melbourne Storm across two brilliant seasons for the club as they made consecutive Grand Finals in 2008 and 2009.
In 2010, he joined Gold Coast Titans and spent two years there playing 14 times before making the switch to Rugby Union playing for the likes of Montpellier and Leinster.
However, he now has his heart set on a return to rugby league and the NRL as he revealed in an interview with the West Australia Today.
“The ambition to play NRL is there, and it always will be there. I still feel like I have a lot to offer, but I guess it’s just whether coaches see that I’m the right piece to their puzzle,” Tomane said.
“The ambition to play NRL is there, and it always will be there, but I’m also happy and content if it doesn’t eventuate. I’m not 25 any more, but I’m still athletic enough. What separates me now [from] when I was younger is my skill set is completely different and refined.
“I feel like I have the skill set to play multiple positions, so if I were to play in the NRL I think I’d probably be better suited as a substitute who can play in the forwards and the backs.”
He isn’t the only rugby union star pushing for the move with Mark Nawaqanitawase also interested.
But what of Farrell and Ford and the speculation around them coming to Super League? It feels as though the potential opportunity for Farrell has past. It was now or never and with the flyhalf committed to Saracens it feels more like never.
As for Ford, the comments of his father make it feel like it may happen one day but by then Ford may be past his best. As aforementioned it may be a case of seeing him try and get Oldham to Super League standard rather than competing at the highest level week in and week out. Either way, the questions around both will persist until retirement.
