Throughout the many years of rugby league, we have seen plenty of players from the United Kingdom take their qualities across the world to the Southern hemisphere.

For some, it does not always work out but for others it proves to be a masterstroke in terms of their development as a player.

Most recently, we saw Bateman take the league by storm in his debut NRL season so in response to this, I take a look at the 10 Super League players in today’s game who could make the jump down under.  

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Luke Thompson (St. Helens)

Is there a better prop forward in Super League at the moment?

The 24-year-old has been a mainstay in the St. Helens front row over the last two seasons and is a player who possesses all he aggressiveness, tenacity and intensity that could see him thrive down under.

Since making his debut in 2013, the barnstorming prop has only gotten better and this year put forth his best season to date this year.

He will prove to be a key figurehead in a Saints side that claimed Super League glory and reached the Challenge Cup final. 

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Jake Connor (Hull FC)

The Hull FC star’s slick ball handling and carrying skills have seen him thrive at the centre position for the Airlie Birds.

Over the course of history, outside backs who have made the journey over have struggled to cope with the physicality that comes with playing in the NRL.

However, Connor’s undeniable talent could see become someone who can break the mould if given the opportunity. 

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Tommy Makinson (St. Helens)

There probably has not been a better finisher in Super League over the last few seasons and the spectacular just seems to be a common occurrence for the 2018 Golden Boot winner.

His ability to score through the tightest of windows is second to none.

The 28-year-old finally got a taste of the international stage last year after his debut for England.

He showed the NRL exactly what he can do with a pair of superb performances against New Zealand.

The 2019 season also proved to be another great year as he finished as Super League’s leading try scorer.

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Tom Johnstone (Wakefield)

It is fair to say that lady luck has not exactly been on the side of the Wakefield flyer who has endured two season ending injuries in the last three seasons.

However, Johnstone’s ceiling still remains high and at the age of 24, he still has plenty of quality years ahead of him if he can recover from this latest injury setback.

A more than natural finisher, Johnstone has gone on to score 67 times in 78 appearances for the West Yorkshire club. 

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Alex Walmsley (St. Helens)

The 28 year-old’s front row tandem with Thompson has been something to behold these last couple of seasons.

After a miraculous recovery from a broken neck last year, Walmsley has gone on to become a fearsome prop forward and undoubtedly in the top five at his position in the league.

The Saints man has all the traits needed to make his presence felt in a tough and physical league and similar to that of the Burgess’, his size, strength and huge motor all can prove integral in getting his side on the front foot.

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Daryl Clark (Warrington)

At the age of 21, Clark looked destined to be the elite talent he is now after winning the 2014 Man of Steel award with the Castleford Tigers.

Since joining Warrington in 2015, he has just continued to shine.

The 26-year-old oozes quality and has showcased a fine amount of durability with nearly 250 appearances under his belt.

With his electric running out of the hooker spot and pinpoint passing, it could see him make a mark wherever he goes.

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Oliver Gildart (Wigan)

Even at the age of 23, Gildart already has plenty of experience under his belt, featuring over 100 times for the Warriors.

In that time, he has racked up over 50 tries to his name since making his debut in 2015.

The star centre’s inclusion in last autumn’s England squad and now a revived GB side just goes to show how quickly he has made an impact in his professional career.

A free flowing and attacking player who can rack up the metres in the southern hemisphere and has already shown a winning mentality at such a young tender age with two Super League crowns. 

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Liam Watts (Castleford)

We have already touched on how physical the NRL can be and a man who continues to show a fine amount of physicality and toughness in Super League has been Watts.

The Tigers prop was undoubtedly one of the Tigers best players this season after being shortlisted for the season’s Man of Steel award.

Despite not having an international cap under his belt, Watts has been a measure of consistency over the last two yeara.

He has rejuvenated himself since moving to Castleford at the start of the year and his tough and gritty style of play give him every chance down under. 

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Jonny Lomax (St. Helens)

The 29-year-old has all the versatility and creative flair to make an instant impact in Australia’s top tier with an ability to play anywhere in the backs from halfback to fullback.

Since making his debut back in 2009, Lomax has had a hard time with injuries but one thing that never seemed to escape him was the immense talent he possessed.

After suffering a serious knee injury in 2014, he missed a substantial amount of time sitting out most of the 2014 and 2015 seasons.

However, after a full recovery, Lomax made his comeback at the start of the 2016 Super League season and has not seemed to miss a step as over the last three years.

He has cemented himself well and truly as a catalyst for St. Helens and a man who can do it all on the offensive front.

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Toby King (Warrington)

Now, to some, this may seem like a real longshot but at the age of 23, King has the potential to be a future impact player for Warrington and possibly one day in the NRL.

The centre made his debut in 2014 and featured sporadically up until the 2019 season where he was a fully fledged starter for the Wire.

In a more central role, King is already showcasing himself to be a great attacking weapon with a great eye for the try line.

He has scored 28 tries and featured on 82 occasions for the primrose and blue.

Most recently, King was selected as part of the England Knights team that faced Jamaica, putting an excellent effort that included a try and a brace of try assists. 

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The final match of the 2019 Rugby League Calendar is here. Papua New Guinea Kumuls vs Great Britain Lions.

Both teams have not won a game this year and will want to end the season on a positive note.

Kickoff

From the very first kickoff, Luke Page took the hitup.

From this hitup, St George Illawarra Dragons forward, James Graham would go down and he left the field only 1 minute into the game.

15 minutes in, Great Britain clocked the first points onto the scoreboard.

On a spread to the left, Warrington Wolves half, Gareth Widdop threw a cutout to Hull FC back, Jake Connor.

Connor drew and passed to Warrington Wolves back, Blake Austin who dived over in the corner for first points.

Widdop’s conversion from the left sideline was shanked across the face and the lead remained 4-0.

With less than 20 minutes left in the half, Great Britain were back inside the 10 metre line.

Josh Hodgson dummied left and ran through himself to score the GB Lions’ second unanswered try.

Widdop converted from the right side to make the lead 10-0.

With 10 minutes left in the half, it looked like Edene Gebbie had possibly scored PNG’s first try in the corner.

The video ref would deny him, however, because he was deemed to have grounded the ball on the touch in goal line.

The Great Britain Lions brought the ball out to the 20 metre line for the 7 tackle set.

As the buzzer went for half time, the Kumuls just got one last play the ball in time.

Edwin Ipape faked to go down the short side and busted the defence on his own through the middle.

Ipape ran all the way to the endzone and planted the ball down to finish off his 63-metre effort from dummy half!

Kyle Laybutt converted from almost right in front to lower the deficit to 6-10.

Half Time

Papua New Guinea 6 – 10 Great Britain

6 minutes into the second half, PNG were 30 metres out on the 4th tackle.

Gebbie from dummy half put in a grubber through the line and there was no lions fullback at home.

Watson Boas raced through and got to the ball first for the try to level the scores.

Rhyse Martin split the sticks from the far left side to take the lead 12-10!

With less than half an hour left, PNG were inside the 10 metre line.

Laybutt put a kick through that ricocheted off of a Great Britain player.

The ricochet landed perfectly for Justin Olam to sprint into it and score the try!

Martin landed the conversion from the far left side to make the lead 18-10!

Only 3 minutes later, PNG were back inside the 10 and had a chance to keep the points flowing.

Boas put a kick through but it didn’t make it through the line.

On the ground, Boas picked it up and handed it off to South Sydney Rabbitohs utility back Alex Johnston who sprinted around the defence to score.

 

Martin missed the conversion so the lead remained 22-10.

With 15 minutes left in the game, PNG were at midfield on the last tackle.

Wartovo Puara gave it to Laybutt who bombed it for Jonny Lomax to catch.

Lomax knocked it on and Nixon Putt capitalised on it to score and make it a 3-score game.

Martin nailed the kick from the right side after hitting the post to make the lead 28-10.

Full Time

Papua New Guinea 28 – 10 Great Britain

Here we are, the final day of the 2019 Rugby League season. To start, we have a women’s test match as the Papua New Guinea Orchids face the England Lionesses.

The women’s England beat Papua New Guinea last week 24-10 so Will England go 2-up over PNG or will PNG avenge last week’s loss?

Kickoff

From the very first set, Rhiannon Marshall busted the PNG defence up the middle only getting stopped 10 metres out.

The very next play, England went on the short side to Tara-Jane Stanley to get the first points of the test match.

Stanley missed the conversion so the score remained 4-0, 2 minutes in.

10 minutes later, PNG would give away two penalties for a high tackle, and then for holding down in the tackle.

Stanley kicked the penalty goal from right in front, 30 metres out to make the lead 6-0.

5 minutes later, England made an error, 30 metres out from their own line.

PNG capitalised on this field position as they spread it right  only for Carol Humeu to barge over.

Erswin Kaiat didn’t get enough power on the kick from the far right side and the deficit remained 4-6.

With 15 minutes left in the half, PNG had great field position again.

They had a massive overlap left and brought it that way to send Belinda Gwasamum over the stripe.

This try took the lead for the Orchids and Kaiat extended it by kicking the goal from the far left side and making the lead 10-6.

This score remained until half time.

Half Time

Papua New Guinea 10 – 6 England

Copying England from the first half, PNG scored points in the very first set of the second half.

After getting field position due to a penalty, Roswita Kapo barged over just to the left of the posts to make it a 2-score game!

Kaiat converted from almost right in front to make the lead 16-6.

Discipline really dropped in this half with constant errors and penalties.

20 minutes into the half, England started a spread to the left side where they had an overlaps.

Instead of passing, Emily Rudge powered over with three defenders on her back to score!

Stanley shanked the kick to the right so the deficit remained 16-10.

With 12 minutes left and a converted try the difference, England were 30 metres out and needed points soon.

From dummy half, Jodie Cunningham went short side to Georgia Roache who sent Naomi Williams flying into open space for a 30 metre run to the try line.

From the right sideline, Stanley nailed the conversion and levelled the scores at 16-all.

Both sides traded errors and it was an arm wrestle as to who was going to make the error to cost their team the game.

England knocked on 40 out from their own line and PNG had good field position with 90 seconds left.

30 metres out, Shirley Joe dummied through the line and beat the fullback to score herself to win the game for PNG.

Kaiat didn’t get the length on the kick but it didn’t matter as the Orchids were victorious for an historic win.

Full Time

Papua New Guinea 20 – 16 England

PNG have achieved their first ever women’s international victory.

They defeated England in an extremely physical affair which saw Joe score the buzzer beater!

England will be trying to improve for next year as the PNG team will end the season as winners.

Luke Thompson

A player who just seems to be getting better and better with each game that passes.

It was undoubtedly a year to remember for Thompson who over the last two to three seasons has developed into one of the best prop forwards in Super League if not the best.

The Saints front rower has formed a powerhouse tandem alongside teammate Alex Walmsley and an epic year saw him become the first prop to claim the Harry Sunderland Trophy for his 72 minute workhorse display in the Super League Grand Final since Andy Platt in 1992. 

The 24-year-old is now set to wear the GB jersey for the first time this coming Saturday after earning four caps already for England.

He will look to replicate his domestic form onto the international stage with his extensive work rate and hard running tendencies that can make him an integral force in a GB forward pack that is already missing Sam Burgess.

As the Kiwis will have the likes Jared Waerea Hargeaves within their front row, Thompson’s presence becomes all the more vital and his matching up with JWH will certainly be a major battle to take note of throughout the series.

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John Bateman

Well what more can you say about this man? The 25-year-old certainly made his presence felt over the course of his first year in the NRL.

He solidified his status as one of the best back rowers in the game with his outstanding offensive and defensive influence for Canberra.

Alongside the likes of Josh Hodgson and Elliot Whitehead, the second rower was a pivotal factor in the Raiders run to the NRL Grand Final.

He consistently racked up the tackles and metres while proving to be an unstoppable force on numerous occasions in the green machine’s much improved pack. 

After playing the 2017 Rugby World Cup for England in an experimental centre role, it looks as if Bateman will now be back in his more suited position of the back row for Great Britain.

If the same ferociousness, explosiveness and work rate is still there after his impressive first stint in the NRL, then he has all the tools to lead Britain’s commanding force in a back row that contains Elliott Whitehead and international debutantes Josh Jones, Jack Hughes and Joe Philbin.

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 Oliver Gildart

The 22-year-old’s star just continues to rise and he is another player who has cemented himself as one of the best at the centre position in Super League.

The Wigan man has been a catalyst in attack making the most metres by a Warriors players with 3,375 over the course of 2019 season and a figure that also sees him placed within the  top five in the league. 

There seems to be plenty of faith in Gildart who is one of only two recognised centres in the GB squad so expect to see plenty more of the Wigan flyer as the tour goes on. 

If his GB debut is anything like his England debut, then we could be in for a treat.

The likes of Tonga and New Zealand cannot afford to give the Wigan ace any space to work with as he consistently looks to get forward and can be dangerous on the break.

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Jonny Lomax

It is fair to say there has not been a more consistent player in Super League over the last two seasons.

The 2019 Albert Goldthorpe Medal winner’s versatility and ability to find gaps make him one of the biggest threats in the GB squad.

Although he will come off the bench in the game against Tonga on Saturday, the 29-year-old remains a key player to watch out for over the course of the tour with his ability to do it all the offensive front whether it be to create or score.

Throughout a highly dominant season for the Red Vee, Lomax put together 16 tries and 21 assists in a Super League title winning effort.

He is now fighting amongst a position that already holds plenty of depth in the GB side with Jake Trueman and Jackson Hastings all viable options at stand off.

However, with his ability to play in a variety of different positions amongst the backline, expect the Saints star to see plenty of time out on the field and be a key man when looking to open up the defence.

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Zak Hardaker

The last time we saw Hardaker among the international stage, it did not exactly end in the best of circumstances after personal reasons led to him being withdrawn from England’s 2013 Rugby League World Cup squad.

However, even though many will remain sceptical because of his past, it seems to be a quest for redemption Hardaker who starred for Wigan this season.

It was his goal kicking and strong ball carrying that were huge factor throughout.

The 2015 Man of Steel winner will start at centre instead of fullback on Saturday and although it may not be his most favoured position, Hardaker still has the adaptability to fit right and unleash his attacking traits down the flank.

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Josh Hodgson

If you were to look at players who made the biggest difference in Canberra’s journey to the NRL Grand Final this year, then you could probably look no further than Hodgson at the hooker position.

Now, yes, Bateman was a hugely influential player in the back row but when it comes to keeping the offence ticking and making plays on the defensive side of the ball, there were fewer better than the 29-year-old.

The England and soon to be GB international plays with all the confidence and creativity of a halfback, leading the way in try assists for Ricky Stuart’s men while establishing himself defensively with the most tackles by a Raiders player and the most one on one ball strips in the entire league.

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As the 2019 Super League reaches its crescendo, we take a look into the top 10 players who have their presence felt over the course of the year.

Blake Austin (Warrington Wolves)

It may not have been ending that Wolves fans would have wanted to their season but the 28-year-old still has proven to be one of the buys of the year.

Fitting in perfectly at the stand off position for Warrington, Austin made his presence felt.

Over the course of the season, we have seen time and time again where the former Canberra man has been able to completely change the entire dynamic of a game.

He tore opposition defences to shreds with his expert game management and playmaking ability.

The elusive halfback had an incredible 18 tries and 11 try assists to his name before the start of the play offs and is one of four candidates for the 2019 Man of Steel.

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Jackson Hastings (Salford Red Devils)

Another buy of the year candidate, as Hastings has undoubtedly been the main reason why Salford have been able to secure a playoff spot this year.

The 23-year-old signed a one year deal with the Red Devils before the start of the year and has been the x factor that Ian Watson’s men have so desperately needed.

The former Sydney and Manly halfback has been a truly effective attacking threat for Salford leading the way in try assists and run metres for the entire season.

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Liam Watts (Castleford Tigers)

There has been no question that Watts has been a true enforcer for Castleford all season and so much so that he is on the shortlist for the 2019 Man of Steel.

The 29-year-old has shown how difficult he is to stop with the ball in his hand and had the most offloads in the regular season with 62 as well as being a constant factor in defence with over 900 tackles to his name. 

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Danny Houghton (Hull FC)

The 30-year-old has been the definition of a work horse for Hull FC for some time now.

His toughness at the dummy half position has consistently shown by leading the league in tackles three times out of the last four seasons.

It has been surprising to some that Houghton has not been given his chance at international level.

Though at a position that already has strength in depth with Daryl Clark, James Roby and Josh Hodgson all ahead in the pecking order, we just may never see it.

Ultimately, this is a shame for a player who has performed at such a high level for so many years now. 

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Tommy Makinson (St Helens)

The 2018 Golden Boot winner has followed on from his England heroics in last year’s test series against New Zealand with another great year on the St. Helens wing.

The 27-year-old possesses a freaky try scoring ability that has seen his name on the scoresheet on several occasions.

He led the league in tries by the start of the playoffs with 23.

The England international continues to be a force for the Saints out on the edge and that can only mean good things with the upcoming GB tour of Australia just around the corner.

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Lachlan Coote (St Helens)

The departure of Ben Barba left a relatively large hole at the Saints fullback spot.

The acquisition of Coote, however, has been somewhat of a masterstroke from Justin Holbrook.

The Scottish international has probably been one of the league leader’s best players throughout the season.

He recorded 14 tries and 21 try assists to his name, proving to be one of many valuable assets in the Saints backline that features Regan Grace, Ken Naiqama and Mark Percival among others.

The 29-year-old took over goal kicking duties at the start of the year and he has gone from strength to strength, kicking the second most goals in the regular season with 95.

The Red Vee are still one of the firm favourites to take home Super League glory this year.

If Coote continues to pull the strings and be the force we have seen, you would be a brave man to bet against them.

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Ash Handley (Leeds Rhinos)

Well, the 2017 Super League champions did not have the best of times this year and even found themselves in a nervy relegation battle with four other teams for the most part, believe it or not.

However, one of the brighter aspects of their seasons has to be the breakout year for Ash Handley following the departure of Ryan Hall to the NRL.

The 23-year-old has looked sharp and dangerous all year for Leeds and is joint second in tries with 22.

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Daryl Clark (Warrington Wolves)

In a position that has held a lot of depth for England and now Great Britain once again, Clark has undoubtedly been one of the prime dummy halves.

This is not just in Super League but in the entire sport of rugby league.

Although Canberra’s Josh Hodgson may still holds the keys to a potential starting role with GB, Clark is certainly waiting in the wings more than ready to take his chance.

The 2014 Man of Steel earned his place in the 2019 Super League Dream Team with 7 tries and 19 try assists.

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Jonny Lomax (St Helens)

There is no doubt that Austin has done absolute wonders for Warrington throughout the course of this season.

The one thing that has probably let him down has to be an injection of consistency from time to time.

However, the same cannot be said for Lomax, who has undoubtedly been the Saints most consistent performer all season.

So much so that he has been awarded the Albert Goldthorpe Medal for 2019. S

imilar to Austin, Lomax has been one to make things happen for St. Helens offensively.

He showed his ability to score and create opportunities with 16 tries and 21 try assists coming into the playoffs.

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George Williams (Wigan Warriors)

The dynamic scrum half may be off to Canberra and the NRL come the end of the season but the 24-year-old has remained as focus as ever and been a true catalyst for Wigan.

On the back of Williams’ form, Wigan has once again found themselves in the hunt for the Super League crown.

The 2019 Man of Steel nominee may be on his way down under but the is certainly making sure he goes out with a bang.

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Notable mentions:

Zak Hardaker (Wigan)

Josh Jones (Salford)

Ken Naiqama (St. Helens)

Konrad Hurrell (Leeds)

EX-SCOTLAND coach Steve McCormack has backed Lachlan Coote’s inclusion in the Great Britain squad – and revealed the full-back lost money to play for the Bravehearts.

Saints No.1 Coote was this week included in Wayne Bennett’s 29-man training panel for the Lions tour in autumn, having qualified through his Scottish ancestry.

His selection was met by criticism in some quarters because he was born and raised in Australia.

But Wiganer McCormack says the 29-year-old has more than proved his commitment to Scotland and shed light on the sacrifices he made to play for the nation during the Four Nations in 2016.

“He’d just come off the back of an NRL season, his body need fixing up but he really wanted to play for Scotland and he was immensely proud to do so,” said McCormack.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him and the commitment he showed to representing Scotland.

“He was over here for six weeks, away from his family, and he lost money to play for us.

“It would have cost him money to play for Scotland, but he was so motivated to represent his heritage, and he did with some fantastic displays.

“He’s very proud of his ancestry and he was absolutely top class, and I’m delighted he’s been selected in this squad.”

Another Aussie – Warrington’s Blake Austin – is also in the squad, having previously been included in the England training squad because of his heritage.

McCormack, who left his role with the Warriors earlier this year for a role with the charity Rugby League Cares, coached Scotland for more than a decade before stepping down in 2017.

“I do understand the criticism of picking Australian-born players, I do – and sport is all about opinions,” he added.

“But Lachlan is eligible under the rules and as I said, he has certainly shown his commitment to Scotland.”

FORMER England half-back Rangi Chase has signed a new contract with Betfred League One club Doncaster.

The 33-year-old one-time Man of Steel began playing for the South Yorkshire club in July following the completion of a two-year suspension for cocaine use and has now decided to extend his stay until the end of 2020.

“I’m happy to get it over the line,” Chase told the club’s website.

“In my mind, I was always going to stay here but it is good to get it all sorted and I can look forward to the future.”

Doncaster chief executive Carl Hall said: “Rangi has shown his class both on and off the pitch since joining the club and has given us an added threat in our attacking game.

“Richard Horne made it clear how important it was that we got the deal done, with Rangi being such an important player and other clubs showing a keen interest in him.

“To have secured his signature for next season is massive for our club.”

MARK Minichiello isn’t one to make a fuss over his lengthy career in rugby league.

He keeps himself to himself, leads a private life and he doesn’t sing about his considerable achievements.

But as he prepares to reflect on his 18-year career as a professional, he wears the expression of a man who is about to start a new chapter in his life.

Last month, Minichiello announced that, as many people expected, he will hang up his boots at the end of the season and draw the curtains on a playing career that has seen him play for some of the most historic clubs in the sport.

Depending on Hull FC’s success this season, Minichiello has a minimum of just three games left before he leaves the KCOM Stadium and heads back to Australia for a new start.

The 37-year-old’s exit will be one of several this autumn, spelling the end of an era for Lee Radford’s side and despite his age, he didn’t make the decision lightly.

“It’s always difficult when you’ve done something for so long,” he says.

“After almost 20 years playing professionally, you never want to give that up, it almost becomes part of you.

“It was a difficult decision but it’s one that has to be made.

“You can’t play forever that’s for sure but I’m still enjoying it and the body still feels good.

“There comes a time when you need to move on and do something else. I feel like this is the right time.”

In fact, having picked up a rugby ball at the age of six, the sport has shaped his personality and his life. But will he miss it?

“No one likes doing pre-seasons, do they?” he laughed.

“It’s part of the game and I’ve done almost 20 of them. It’s quite strange but I think my body is going to thank me.

“I’ve already been laughing with the blokes in the dressing room that they’ll be doing pre-season next year and I’ll be on the beach somewhere.

“This is my 18th full-time season so it’s a lot of games.

“Not many players get to play to 37.

“I’ve had a great time playing the game I love and not many players get to play that long.

“I’ll come across different sorts of challenges out of the game and I’ll meet them face on and see where that goes.”

Prolonging his career for a few more games is at the forefront of the back-rower’s mind at present, though.

The Black and Whites sit fourth in the Super League table and should they land a top three spot this season they could be just two games away from reaching the Grand Final.

It would not only be the club’s first since losing to St Helens in 2006, but also give Minichiello the chance to end his career with what would undoubtedly be a career high.

Despite featuring for Sydney Roosters, South Sydney Rabbitohs and Gold Coast Titans, the first silverware he got his hands on was the Challenge Cup in 2016.

A Grand Final berth has eluded him in both hemispheres so far, having lost a number of semi-finals, but with time running out, the Super League trophy is firmly in his crosshairs.

“It’s something that growing up in Australia you always want to play in a Grand Final because it’s the only trophy you play for,” he said.

“I know the Challenge Cup is held in high regard here but I believe that Super League trophy is the pinnacle. To win that you have to be consistent and that’s something I’d love to finish on.”

Shaun Wane is set to throw his hat into the ring for the coach’s job at NRL side Newcastle Knights.

And that in turn may help St Helens in their search for a new boss, which appears to have settled on Tonga’s Kristian Wolff.

Former Wigan Warriors boss Wane has always been keen on coaching in the NRL and has previously been strongly linked with the job at New Zealand Warriors.

Now after former Saints coach Nathan Brown was fired, he is believed to be ready to apply for the position.

Wane has been working part-time as High Performance Director with Scotland Rugby Union, as well as running a sideline business as a motivational speaker and leadership mentor.

But the lure of coaching in the NRL remains strong and he is set to put himself in for the Knights job.

“I’ve always been a big admirer of the NRL and the Australian game,” said Wane.

“I’d very much like to get an opportunity to test myself as a head coach in the NRL.

“I played with loads of Australian players and I’ve coached loads of Australian players so the interest has always been huge.

“There’s no better challenge than testing yourself in the toughest arena and on a week-to-week basis, that’s the NRL.

“I’ve had success in Super League, now I want to transfer that to the NRL.”

Warrington’s Steve Price has also been mentioned in the running for the Newcastle job, along with Sydney Roosters assistant Adam O’Brien and Jason Ryles.