The trend of NRL playmakers moving to Super League early in their career to learn the ropes of the game before heading back down under has seen an uptick in recent years with current examples potentially included Jai Field, who has come on leaps and bounds at Wigan Warriors, whilst Jake Clifford of Hull FC is already scheduled to head back to the NRL less than a year after joining.
Jackson Hastings was arguably the first man to really prove this and kickstart a bit of a trend with Salford Red Devils eventually replacing the Man of Steel winner with brodie Croft, who would also go on to win the Man of Steel award whilst playing at the AJ Bell Stadium.
Even Lachlan Lam in the halves at Leigh would be a key example, albeit starting in the Championship, with the PNG playmaker attracting huge NRL interest – something he will reportedly snub per one Australian journalist, as reported here.
One of the men who came to Super League for 2021 and then made a swift NRL return was Jack Cogger who linked up with Huddersfield Giants and ultimately helping them make the 2022 Challenge Cup Final.
His NRL return saw him take up a role at Penrith Panthers, backing up the imperious Nathan Cleary and that has evidently led to a lack of game time even with Cleary spending time on the sidelines this season.
As such Cogger, who had only signed a one year deal with the Panthers, was looking for an opportunity elsewhere and a Super League return was potentially on the cards.
It just so happens though that one NRL side have beaten teams to the punch with the 25-year-old linking up with Newcastle Knights for 2024 and beyond, joining former Man of Steel and one of the young Aussie halves to star in Super League of late in Jackson Hastings.
Knights Director of Football confirmed the news in a club statement.
“Jack has been involved in many different experiences throughout his career, including an overseas stint,” Peter Parr explained.
“Those learnings, plus the skills he has developed along the way, has us believing his best football will occur in the coming years.
“Jack has the skill, tenacity and game management to make a great impact at the Knights.”
He returns to the Knights where he first broke through and will likely pair Hastings in the halves but the imminent arrival of Will Pryce could see him link up in the spine with his former Giants’ teammate.
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