The Australian rugby league has always welcomed British players, especially when they know they’re getting good players. Some of the best players that the UK has produced have travelled all over the world in search of the best grounds for rugby, making them highly acclaimed in the NRL. Legendary players include Gareth Ellis and Sydney Roosters, and others are still making a name for themselves in the league. These players include:
Josh Hodgson
A highly talented hooker, Josh Hodgson is a popular English International player in the NRL known for his passing, stripping, and kicking abilities. These three skills have become his trademark over at the Canberra Raiders tent since arriving in 2015, and he has managed to earn a place among the greatest British rugby players of all time.
While Hodgson might not be part of Great Britain’s team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, he’ll remain among the greatest English names in the NRL. In 2019, he was appointed as the Raider’s captain alongside Jarrod Cooker and he has remained very influential in the club on and off the pitch.
John Bateman
Another Raiders man, Josh Bateman, joined the NRL side to prove himself against the best players in the world, a feat he achieved in 2019. Josh took the league by a storm last year, and Daily M named him as the best Second Rower of the Year. The England native is still looking to advance his career in 2020 while helping his club go a step further in 2020.
James Graham
While playing for St. George-Illawarra, James Graham has managed to remain among the top British players in the NRL despite being considered the most unlucky. In his career, the former St Helen’s prop has lost six consecutive grand finals, including five in the Super League Competition.
Despite his loss, Graham played in the NRL Grand Final in 2014, though his team lost to the Rabbitohs. He was also featured in the Rugby League World Cup in 2017 when Britain lost to Australia.
Tom Burgess
The South Sydney Rabbitohs’ prop has managed to create a name in the NRL circles, having played lots of games in the league. Last year, Burgess began the NRL season in great form, with the team winning ten out of their first eleven matches to take the top spot in the league.
After South Sydney lost to Newcastle, Burgess stayed away from the action for several weeks due to a knee injury. Burgess made a total of 19 NRL appearances for South Sydney last year, as the club finished at third place in the table.
Ryan Hall
Playing as a winger for the Roosters, the Great Britain international has won several Super League Grand Finals, having spent most of his life in the league. The former Leeds player won the Challenge Cup in 2014 and also took home the Lance Todd Trophy. Ryan joined the NRL in February last year, playing for the Sydney Roosters against Brisbane in his debut game.
