But neither of these players were good enough so not relevant to the current discussion. Watkins is a totally different proposition. Only the very best will make the transition

He could start on the wing but could play in either centre positions. But top Union clubs have bigger squads and rotate

How good he is in RL is not a given on how he'll succeed in RU. It's like the players who have came over from the NRL, their's been good players who have failed in Super League....their's been unknown guys who have been successful. You have no idea how Watkins would settle and enjoy and adapt to RU.

Both were internationals and Chev, in particular was a very prodigious league talent, bursting on the scene in a bigger way than Watkins, though without his natural talent. You're doing Chev a real dis-service. I think he is a very salutary lesson for how it can ruin your career if you do not settle and make the transition.

Could be a Chev Walker or Lee Smith, but equally could be an Israel Folau or Jason Robinson.

Going to Union is both a risk and an opportunity for a player like Watkins.

If he stays in RL he gets a top RL wage for virtually the rest of his career and there's the possibility of quite high wages in the NRL.

If he goes to Union there is the opportunity of very high wages and fame. But there is also a higher chance of failure than in League. I don't actually think Watkins is the right player to make the switch to Union, not in England anyway. I don't think any Union team will use him right.
I actually think full backs and wingers are the best option for the switch. I reckon someone like Josh Charnley or Ben Jones-Bishop would do pretty well in Union.

I may be disappointed when any RL player moves to Union but I can't say I blame them. All I ask of them is not to forget or be ashamed of their roots and don't forget the sport that took you out of (most likely) a dead-end, minimum wage job.

First of all you're assuming should he return he'd be straight up to speed and at the level he was prior to defecting but for debates sake i'd say Thurston ,Sean Johnson and Cameron Smith!