St Helens star reveals why he turned down NRL offers

Unsurprisingly, this St Helens squad, having dominated Super League and won four titles in a row, has seen NRL clubs come after their star players time and again.

Luke Thompson left for Canterbury Bulldogs in 2020, Jack Welsby is reportedly on the radar of every NRL club and Tommy Maksinon has turned down NRL clubs in the past.

As has Morgan Knowles who explained why he turned down a move to the NRL in the past when speaking to Serious About Rugby League.

“I had the opportunity to go a few times when I have been negotiating a contract with a few clubs but I know what I have here,” he said.

“When I came into the team, I saw the environment and it is something I want to be a part of and to stay here has definitely been the right one especially with what we have achieved in recent years.

“We have a great competition over here, we have great teams and great players.

“I don’t know if the competition as a whole is as good but our top players are as good as theirs. They probably just have more depth and more money.

“We have a great competition over here. I am proud to play in Super League and England.”

Now he is determined to show the calibre of Super League by beating Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge on February 18th.

“I am hoping to put a good display over there and come back with the trophy,” Knowles said.

“It is probably outside my capabilities with marketing Super League, we have a great competition over here.”