Friday 26 January 2018 11:17, UK
Two of England's World Cup heroes admit they are being tempted to try their luck in the NRL.
St Helens prop Alex Walmsley, who burst onto the international scene in impressive fashion in 2017, is out of contract with his Super League club this year and says "it's now or never" as he weighs up his options.
And Huddersfield winger Jermaine McGillvary, whose devastating running during the World Cup earned him a place in the World XIII, concedes his experience in Australia has forced a major rethink on his previous disinterest in playing in the NRL.
Newcastle, Parramatta, Wests Tigers and St George Illawarra are among the clubs thought to be ready to give the 27-year-old Walmsley the chance to join his England World Cup team-mates Gareth Widdop, James Graham, Elliott Whitehead, Josh Hodgson, Sam Burgess, Tom Burgess and Chris Heighington in the NRL.
"I think I've signed for about nine different clubs in the last six weeks," said Walmsley. "There has been a lot of interest but that's as far as it's gone so far.
It's certainly something I've thought about and it's something I'm open to but what I can say is, if I don't do it now, I won't ever do it.
"It's all up in the air at the moment. I've got 12 months left at St Helens and there's a lot of conversations to be had between now and then.
"It's certainly something I've thought about and it's something I'm open to but what I can say is, if I don't do it now, I won't ever do it.
"If I want to do it, it's probably my last opportunity but that's not to say it's definitely going to happen. There's a lot of things to take into account."
McGillvary, whose name was everyone's lips during England's run to the World Cup final after scoring seven tries in five matches, has been linked with a move to England coach Wayne Bennett's Brisbane Broncos.
He has yet to field any interest from Australia and still has three years left on his contract with the Giants but admits his head has been turned.
"It was the best time of my life, I absolutely loved it," the Huddersfield-born winger said.
"I'm a home bird, I don't really like travelling but going to Australia and being out of my comfort zone changed my perspective on everything.
"I always said Australia was too far but actually being there and experiencing the life, it made feel I could do that and I'd really enjoy it. And the kids and the family would enjoy it.
"I've not heard from anyone but, if an opportunity did arise I would definitely look at it seriously."
McGillvary, who is 29, admits his age could count against him but he insists he has plenty of years left in him after arriving late to rugby league.
"I still feel like I'm in my mid-20s because I was a late starter," he said. "I made my debut when I was 22.
"I haven't gone through all the tough pre-seasons and had all the operations that the other boys have had over the years. I feel in really good shape."
