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.

4. Tom Johnstone

Tommy Makinson may be the reigning World Player of the Year but in my opinion Wakefield flyer Johnstone would be a much better long-term bet for any NRL clubs on the hunt for a winger.

The 23 year-old debuted in 2015 and the following year he was named Super League Young Player of the Year after scoring 20 tries in 25 games.

After a tough 2017 campaign in which he suffered a season-ending knee injury in round 12, he bounced back brilliantly in 2018, finishing 2nd in the try-scoring charts with 24 tries in 24 games.

His excellent form earned him an England call-up for the post-season test against France and he scored a hat-trick in a 44-6 win.

Johnstone's pace, power and finishing ability remind me of Ryan Hall and perhaps he'll go on to be his long-term successor in the England side.

WAKEFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 23: Tom Johnstone of Wakefield during the Betfred Super League match between Wakefield Trinity and Leigh Centurions at Belle Vue on March 23, 2017 in Wakefield, 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

  6. 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.

Comments are closed.