Denny Solomona (Castleford)
The flying Castleford winger has established himself as one of the best finishers in Super League over the last season or two, and if he ever got a move back to the NRL, you suspect he’d take the competition by storm. His acrobatic, unique finishes are simply stunning, and with blistering pace to boot, Solomona would certainly not look out of place in Australia’s elite competition, no matter which club he signed for.
John Bateman (Wigan)
When Bateman signed his new contract with Wigan last year, it gave him the option to play in the NRL from the 2019 season if he so chooses – and when that date comes around, expect plenty of the world’s best clubs to be fighting for his signature. Bateman has got better and better since moving to the Warriors from Bradford, and certainly looks capable of becoming a key part of England’s side over the next decade. He’d fit the bill for the NRL, that’s for sure.
James Roby (St Helens)
It seems more and more unlikely that Roby will move to the NRL given his age, but if a late-career switch to the competition does materialise, Roby wouldn’t look out of place. His high work-rate, commitment and energy levels are all fantastic assets, and they’d be a real boost for any side in the NRL. 80-minute hookers are becoming more and more a rare commodity – but Roby is still one of the best around in the role.
Stevie Ward (Leeds)
Leeds are without the services of Ward at the minute due to him recovering from the serious knee injury he suffered last year, but when he does come back, expect the Rhinos to improve instantly. 2015 was a great year for the young back-rower before the injury blow, with him really coming of age and establishing himself as one of the most exciting young forwards in the competition. Still only 22, Ward’s best years are very much ahead of him.
Ben Currie (Warrington)
England are blessed with talented young back-rowers – with three of them making this list alone. Elliott Whitehead is another who has gone to the NRL in 2016 and tested himself against the world’s best, and if Ben Currie ever followed, he’d be a huge hit. Currie is one of the most talented forwards in Super League, with his importance for Warrington increasing by the week. You suspect almost every NRL side would be interested in Currie if he expressed a desire to go to the NRL.
