Five Super League stars who could make it in the NRL

The likes of Adrian Morley, Gareth Ellis, James Graham, Sam Burgess, and, more recently, Josh Hodgson and Joe Greenwood, have all tried their hand in the southern hemisphere's elite competition. It takes a special character and player to be able to make it in the NRL; it is not just the playing style that is different, but a player making a move to the NRL has to face an entirely different culture, climate and lifestyle.

In essence, only those at the top of their game and who have the necessary structures in place away from the pitch can succeed. Thus, who are the five Super League stars that could make it in the Australian game?

Kallum Watkins

Since playing his first game for Leeds Rhinos nearly a decade ago after impressing in the Academy setup, Watkins has turned into one of both Leeds' and Super League's most consistent players. And, at the age of just 21, the Manchester-born Watkins made his England debut in the 2012 Autumn International Series. From that moment on, Watkins has become one of the first names on the teamsheet and, in the process, one of England's most highly-regarded players.

With a real turn of pace, an eye for the line, and a fantastic skill set, there is no doubt that Watkins has the calibre to make it in Australia. And, with an attitude towards the game that youngsters should look up to, the centre has the personality and character to impact the NRL like few before him. Now aged 26, and having been at Leeds for 11 years, winning everything possible in the process, Watkins could well shift his attention to the elite tier of Australian Rugby League to mix it with the world's best.

Mike McMeeken

Born in Basingstoke, Hampshire, McMeeken began his career at London Broncos, making his debut in the 2012 season. By the time he was in his third year with the London club, McMeeken was slowly making a name for himself, standing out in what was an abysmal last season in Super League for the Broncos.

His potential as a blockbusting forward earned him a contract with Castleford Tigers ahead of the 2015 season; perhaps even McMeeken would not have predicted how much his career has taken off since then.

The towering second-rower has grown - not just in height and weight - into one of the Tigers' most formidable forwards. And, with a wicked offload and an ability to draw in defenders like few in the game, McMeeken has transformed into one of the bargains of the decade. His form in 2017 earned him an England call-up and, in England's 29-10 victory over Lebanon, he did not look out of place in the international setup. Still just 23, McMeeken has the talent and attitude to make the big time.

Jermaine McGillvary

Before this year's World Cup, McGillvary was a name rarely talked about in Australia. Since 2007 he has plied his trade for Huddersfield Giants, establishing himself as one of the club's most consistent performers. But, over the years, he has gone under the radar as there have only been sporadic claims that he could fit in well in the NRL. In recent weeks however, McGillvary has burst onto the southern hemisphere scene in magnificent fashion; not one fellow competitor in this year's World Cup could match the Huddersfield-born winger's metres, tackle breaks, clean breaks and quick play-the-balls. And, after registering seven tries and being shortlisted for the Golden Boot, McGillvary has been tipped by many pundits and fans to be the next to head to the NRL.

At 29 years of age though, he needs to act quickly if he is to make it.

Jamie Shaul

Perhaps an unorthodox choice, but, as a full-back that has played his entire career so far at hometown club, Hull FC, Jamie Shaul has quickly earned himself a strong reputation as one of Super League's best full-backs. With the pace to outstretch any defender and an enviable skill set, Shaul has become one of the Airlie Birds' go-to players - alongside half-back Albert Kelly - to suddenly create a bit of magic. And, after playing a key role in Hull FC's back-to-back Challenge Cup victories and with Zak Hardaker's absence from the England setup, it was a mystifying decision for Wayne Bennett to leave Shaul out of the England squad for the 2017 World Cup.

If Shaul's superb form continues though surely that elusive England call-up is just around the corner, and, with it, exposure on an international scale that could well attract NRL suitors. Aged just 25 years old, Shaul can only get better - a scary prospect for one of the stars of Super League.

Alex Walmsley

Walmsley was snapped up by Championship side Batley Bulldogs in February 2012 after playing in the amateur leagues for Dewsbury Celtic and Leeds Metropolitan (now Beckett) University. Like McMeeken, Walmsley would not quite believe how his career has taken off since then. Walmsley's first season was mightily impressive; his performances reaped the rewards as he won both Batley's Player of the Year award and the Young Championship Player of the Year award.

In doing so, the Dewsbury-born front-rower attracted a number of top-flight suitors, but, it was to be St Helens that signed him ahead of the 2013 season.

The 6 ft 5 prop has never looked back since and has turned into one of the most destructive front-rowers in the game. His 2017 form - where he made the most metres in the whole of Super League - earned him a place in Wayne Bennett's World Cup squad. And, even on the international stage, Walmsley appeared right at home. Props generally do not hit the pinnacle of their careers until late 20s/early 30s and, with Walmsley now 27, he could well hit the form his life within the next few years. A robust, aggressive and dynamic forward that can eat up the yards, he would be a fantastic addition to any NRL side.