HALL CAN BE NRL’S NEW STAR B ACK
WINGER Ryan Hall is better placed than any other English back before him to become a superstar of the NRL when he joins the Sydney Roosters.
While English forwards Sam Burgess, James Graham and Josh Hodgson have all become household names in Australia, backs have traditionally flopped when switching from the English Super League.
English- born five- eighth Gareth Widdop is a star for St George Illawarra, but he’s played his entire career in the NRL.
Joe Burgess, Zak Hardaker, Sam Tomkins and Greg Eden are just some of the players to give the NRL a go before heading back to play in their homeland after having limited or no impact.
But with Hall’s signature, the Roosters are hoping they have found a like- for- like replacement for Blake Ferguson, who is headed to Parramatta next season on a three- year deal.
Hall comes with a most impressive CV and has signed a two- year deal, starting from next season. The 30- year- old has scored a mammoth 231 tries in 327 games for Leeds.
England’s leading international try- scorer with 35 tries in 38 games, Hall is known as one of the hardest men to stop in the game out wide as he weighs 105kg and is 188cm tall.
“Ryan has expressed a desire to test himself in the NRL, and we are pleased to have secured his services,” Roosters recruitment manager Adam Hartigan said.
“A natural finisher blessed with size, speed and strength, we believe that Ryan will be a terrific fit within our squad.”