With the NFL draft on today, you can bet any amount of money someone will link it back to the NRL and suggest a draft system here.

To answer the question up front; no, I can't see a draft system working in Australia. Everything would have to be restructured and quite honestly we don't have the universities or tafes to produce a college-like system in the US.

BUT ... if there was a draft on, say, Monday evening. Who would go well?

Just to set some rules, let's say every contract is voided. A new season starts in a month and all contracts are four-year deals worth the same amount of money. Reverse finishing order from last year's regular season. I know it's not ideal but it's purely a fantasy.

Of course we could argue for hours (see you in the comments) on the merits of a draft and where players would be drafted at which position and why.

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Bulldogs

Ryan Papenhuyzen

The first "shock" comes early, at number two. Not so on who is picked, but who was overlooked. Ryan Papenhuyzen is 22 year's off age and is approaching the game's very elite, with two to three years until his prime. Lil Pap slots straight into the Dogs fullback spot for a decade. He is a future Origin star and comes with no off-field dramas or distractions. Perfect player for a complete rebuilt.

2020 NRL Grand Final - Panthers v Storm
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 25: Ryan Papenhuyzen of the Storm celebrates scoring a try during the 2020 NRL Grand Final match between the Penrith Panthers and the Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
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