Tommy Makinson believes St Helens teammate could have gone to the NRL

Ahead of their trip down under to take on Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge, two St Helens stars admitted that they had turned down moves to the NRL in the past.

One of those was winger Tommy Makinson who revealed that in 2018 he turned down a switch to the NRL.

“There have been a couple of times when I have been close to going over there. In 2018, I was close to going over there,” he said to Serious About Rugby League.

“It was something that I saw myself doing but then things change with families and friends. For some it is a dream, but now I have had a testimonial at Saints and won all that I have, it has been a great time in my career.

“It was one of them where life is life. I am happy with what I have done here.”

Whilst speaking about the opportunity, Makinson said, somewhat unsurprisingly, that skipper James Roby could have left St Helens at a number of opportunities:

“It’s one of those groups where if you took a few out it wouldn’t be the same like with James Roby, I am sure he could have gone elsewhere throughout his career, I’m sure he had plenty of opportunities.

“We all have a really bond and special characters, we love doing what we do and for the last four years it has been winning.”

Meanwhile, loose-forward Morgan Knowles also admitted that he had turned down a move to the NRL:

“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.

“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 proyd to play in Super League and England.