Whilst we have seen some code-hopping in Australian sport in the past (kudos to Karmichael Hunt who made the jump from Rugba Leeg to AFL, then to Union, then back to Rugba Leeg), at On the Drift we like to picture alternate realities where our favourite players grew up playing a different sport to the one they are famous for.
Imagine if the Wallabies had a bald scrumhalf during the 90s by the name of Alfie Langer rather than George Gregan?
What if Andrew “Roy” Symonds handed out those shoulder charges on the Rugba Leeg field rather than the cricket pitch?
Can you visualize a world where Israel Folau takes magnificent overhead catches of a Sherrin footy rather than a Steeden? Oh wait…
This week we are taking a look at some modern “winter code” players we think would’ve dominated if they grew up/ stuck with a different code rather than the one they are known for.
Check out our list below.
HUGH MCCLUGGAGE
This fella is rising rapidly through the ranks in the AFL and becoming one of the standout midfielders of the competition.
Being a keen Brisbane Lions fan, it was easy to notice McCluggage’s undeniable talent from the moment he debuted. He has a cracking pass and weaves his way through traffic with ease.
He seems to make the right decision when the pressure is on every time. This sort of ability reminds me of the great Rugby League halfbacks – like Joey Johns and Johnathan Thurston.
These blokes stood out from the rest with their big plays in big moments. I reckon if young Hugh grew up playing the code he’d make a fine halfback.
He would certainly have an elite kicking game!
JAMES O’CONNOR
Us On the Drift lads were lucky enough to watch JOC play Rugby at a schoolboy level.
This bloke absolutely carved up. He was a cut above the rest.
It was clear as day that Rabbit (the nickname he had at school because he was just really, really fast) was going on to bigger and better things.
Whilst his early career was scattered with off-field issues, the redemption arc was completed when he came home to lead the Queensland Reds to the Super Rugby AU title – even scoring the winning try!
With the amount of talent he has, there is no doubt that O’Connor would make an excellent League or AFL player.
KALYN PONGA
Young Kalyn could be on his way to Rugby Union in future years as he has a strong desire to represent the All Blacks in World Cups.
He is a top 5 fullback in the game with a goosey step that just won’t quit.
He has an unbelievable ability to find space when there is seemingly none.
For this reason, I think Ponga would be an elite midfielder in the AFL. Why couldn’t he?
Being a fullback he’d be able to see things before they happen, which elite midfielders tend to do in the AFL.
He’d be a 200 gamer easy.
DUSTIN MARTIN
He might not be in red hot form right now, but Dusty has been the best player in the AFL for the last few years.
His trademark is fending off blokes, leaving them winded within an inch of their life.
I wonder, would this type of play be out of place in the great game of Rugba Leeg?
I don’t think so.
I think Dusty would be a brilliant utility who could slot in anywhere, from hooker to the centre.
He could be thrown the pill on the last tackle to find touch with a flat nudge that only he can deliver. Absolute gun in any code.
TOM TRBOJEVIC
I said to anyone who would listen prior to the first State of Origin game this year that I was petrified of Tommy Turbo and thought he would absolutely terrorise my beloved Queensland team.
A hat-trick of tries, a try assist and over 200 running metres ensured my prophecy was fulfilled.
Trbojevic is a freakish athlete with size, speed and incredible game-reading ability.
Without a doubt these skills would transfer to almost any code. Imagine Tommy Turbo with a 15 on his back playing for the Wallabies?
Or taking a magnificent mark for the Sydney Swans forward line? Rugba Leeg is lucky to have him.
Who would you add to the list? Plenty of superstars out there to choose from! Let us know what you reckon – our socials are below.
Written by,
Declan Jones & Dan Hutcheon
On the Drift
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