There's been an influx of Englishmen to the NRL in recent years and 2019 is no exception. Raiders fans can look forward to seeing John Bateman and Ryan Sutton running out for the Green Machine, while Roosters fans will get to see Ryan Hall in the NRL at long last.

Some Super League exports have been welcome additions such as Josh Hodgson and Elliot Whitehead, while other players you've probably forgotten about, like Jordan Turner and Greg Eden.

Sadly they can't all be the next Sam Burgess or James Graham, but here are five current Super League stars who could shine in the NRL if they decide to head Down Under.

3. Kallum Watkins

Remarkably this powerhouse centre is still only 27, having made his debut for Leeds Rhinos way back in 2008 as a 16-year-old.

Watkins has won everything there is to win at club level, and often more than once.

He's picked up six Super League titles, two Challenge Cups, two League Leaders Shields and a World Club Challenge to go alongside his two Super League Dream Team appearances.

At international level he's excelled too, having played 25 times for England, including at two World Cups.

No Englishman will ever forget his break in the 2017 World Cup Final when only a Josh Dugan ankle tap prevented him from putting Elliot Whitehead clear for an equalising try.

As with Ryan Hall, I'd like to have seen Watkins try his luck in the NRL earlier in his career, but he still has plenty of footy left in him.

At his best he reminds me of Greg Inglis, with his incredible upper body strength and ability to brush defenders off while running at pace.

WARRINGTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 01: Kallum Watkins of Leeds is tackled by Kevin Brown of Warrington during the Betfred Super League match between Warrington Wolves and Leeds Rhinos on February 1, 2018 in Warrington, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

7 COMMENTS

  1. You can add Joe Wardle and Dan Sarginson to the list of pommie flops in the NRL, and we saw Joe Burgess play for the Roosters for part of the 2016 season before joining the Burgess trio at Redfern.

  2. He’s a beast, could definitely do well in the NRL. Unfortunately he’s completely ruled out moving to Oz though for family reasons so I’ve only included players who I think might make the move at some point.

  3. Tom johnstone best finisher in super league watch his tries on youtube if he was at wigan or saint helens he would bag 40+ a season 24 in 23 games for lesser club he scored hat trick on international debut and got 3 in friendly last weekend against hull

  4. Whoopi …Zac Hardaker had been English Super League Man Of Steel.
    Came out to Penrith for half a season. Doubt if I’ve ever seen a worse back take the field in first grade.

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