With the Raiders beginning to cultivate a little England of sorts in the nation's capital, we have decided to look back at the top five players to transition from the Super League to the superior NRL. While the last few years have seen some Englishmen not live up to the hype after arriving in the NRL, such as Lee Mossop, Sam Tomkins, and the supposed English SBW Andre Savelio, the men listed below are on the opposite end of the scale. With a few of them even set to go down as greats at their club.
I have decided to profile players who made the switch after the NRL era (1998-present) began, as well as only picking players who have transitioned from the Super League across to the NRL. Which excludes St George Illawarraโs Gareth Widdop, who came through the junior systems at the Melbourne Storm.
2. Adrian Morley
Having originally plied his trade for Leeds in the Super League, Adrian Morley swapped the doom and gloom of North England for the glitz and glamour of Bondi after signing with the Roosters for season 2000.
Morley would go on to feature 114 times for the Tri-colours, adding a 2002 premiership ring to his cabinet as well as featuring in two more grand finals.
Although he was prone to suspension, Morley was an integral member of the Roosters' successful sides in the early 2000s, giving them a fear factor, that other teams didn't possess.
Morley was old school, in that he was tough, uncompromising and loved doing the dirty work. He was always good for a fearless carry or a bone-rattling hit that many an opposition player would not get up from.
While many also remember him for being sent off 12 seconds into the 2003 Ashes Series against Australia, Morley will go down as the first player to win both a Super League and an NRL competition.
His lack of self-preservation and inspirational style of play drew many admirers during his six-year stint in Sydney's East, and he paved the way for other Englishmen to test themselves in the new professional era.
Where’s Jordan Turner?
Adrian Morley was more dominant than the three Burgess Brothers put together๐ช๐คฃ๐—–๐ฑ