Rugby Union has come a long way since open professionalism but in many ways the players have become less suitable for switching codes. I know someone who’s coached at the very top of both sports, League & Union, domestic and internationally, World Cups in both and their opinion is that in the fine skills when put under pressure Union players are still some way behind. There is no guarantee, far from it, that Union playmakers would be capable of executing their skills under the greater defensive and physical pressure that League at the top level would put them under. Of course given enough time there would be the odd one or two that could move over but it would be an expensive experiment for the unlikely returns a club would receive.

Haven't watched Oonion for years, too frustrating with all the technicalities and phases....give me any game of League any day

[quote="The Avenger":3ele8sad]Rugby Union has come a long way since open professionalism but in many ways the players have become less suitable for switching codes. I know someone who’s coached at the very top of both sports, League & Union, domestic and internationally, World Cups in both and their opinion is that in the fine skills when put under pressure Union players are still some way behind. There is no guarantee, far from it, that Union playmakers would be capable of executing their skills under the greater defensive and physical pressure that League at the top level would put them under. Of course given enough time there would be the odd one or two that could move over but it would be an expensive experiment for the unlikely returns a club would receive.[/quote:3ele8sad] Nah. Plenty of skill in Union.

[quote="PopTart":2zk78aij]Nah. Plenty of skill in Union.[/quote:2zk78aij] Yes there is but that's not what he's saying. When under pressure they are not that good at executing

[quote="Belle Vue":1k1mk36m]I was lucky enough to be in Australia in 2023 watching NRL games and looking at media and TV channels union looked as though it was on its Bankside over there…[/quote:1k1mk36m] League is a commercial monster over here... Each year it makes inroads into other sports and Union has been one of its victims. In '25 union is almost complete confined to being played by private schools (of which there are plenty), the alumni of said schools at a small number of clubs, and the armed forces. The Pacific islands and their populations have fallen under the thrall of the NRL, and even the union stronghold of NZ is seeing a shift of power. Only AFL currently is able to hold its own in commercial terms across the sporting business arena.

[quote="PopTart":87kjbc3s]Nah. Plenty of skill in Union.[/quote:87kjbc3s] No doubting that there’s skill in Union but is it as transferable as some think? You’re obviously entitled to your opinion but I’ll take the view of someone whose coached both at the very top over yours thanks