Wigan star Dan Sarginson admits that the lifestyle on the Gold Coast was crucial in persuading him to join the NRL’s Gold Coast Titans from next season.
And Sarginson also said that the prospect of playing in the NRL in front of England coach Wayne Bennett was another factor that persuaded him to join the Titans.
“There was a bit of interest elsewhere but you can’t look past the lifestyle of the Gold Coast,” Sarginson said.
“I spoke to the coach (Neil Henry) and the COO Brian Canavan and he said they had the youth coming through and he mentioned some of the signings they’ve got next year.
“It just looks so promising for the future and I really think it’d be a good move for me to the Gold Coast.
“A lot of centres now playing in the NRL are English and there’s obviously going to be a lot of competition, but if I can play well every week and make a name for myself over there I’m sure it will put me in good stead.”
Meanwhile, Sarginson’s Wigan colleague Josh Charnley can play rugby union for England, says Sale Sharks director of rugby Steve Diamond, while online betting company Betway are quoting odds of 5/1 that Charnley will be a member of England’s 2017 Six Nations squad.
“His ambition is to play at the highest level and his first obstacle is to get picked here,” said Diamond.
“If he does that and consistently plays well, then I’m sure the new England set-up will look at players like him.
“We’re getting an established international finisher. His strike rate is one try a game over 150 games, which is unbelievable.
“He’ll fit in well. If he doesn’t make it after a year or two, then he could always go back and be a top-class Rugby League player.”
