Clarke: Playing in NRL a ‘life goal’
Rabbitohs supporter says 13-man code ‘something I want to tick off ’
I’d love to. I don’t know when, but it’ll definitely be something I want to tick off as a life goal.
Caleb Clarke
Caleb Clarke has confirmed his desire to one day play in the NRL, noting it as a “life goal”.
The All Blacks and Blues wing has been a mainstay at the top level since a breakout 2019 campaign with the Blues, playing five tests in 2020.
This season, Clarke has been joined by 2018 NRL Dally M medallist Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in the Blues squad, recently prompting questions over cross-code possibilities for the young wing.
“That’s definitely one thing I’d love to do,” Clarke told AAP. “I’m a big [South Sydney] Rabbitohs supporter and I talk to the Rabbitohs boys every now and then.
“So, yeah, I’d love to, and I don’t know when, but it’ll definitely be something I want to tick off as a life goal.”
Channel Nine reported this year Clarke had “put his feelers out” in regards to a code switch soon, with reports he was being eyed by the Rabbitohs.
However, any potential jump to the 13-man code would be years down the road, with Clarke expected to re-sign with New Zealand Rugby on a multi-year deal, with earning a place at next year’s Rugby World Cup a target for the 23-year-old. Clarke made himself unavailable for the All Blacks in 2021, as he attempted to earn a place in the All Blacks Sevens squad for the Olympic
Games. He was selected as a travelling reserve and did not feature in the team’s silver medal campaign.
Clarke isn’t the only player from that team to have been eyed by the NRL. William Warbrick was signed by the Melbourne Storm following his Olympic campaign.
Warbrick is yet to make his NRL debut but has received praise for his work and was in contention for a spot in the side to take on the Warriors in Melbourne on Monday until contracting Covid-19.
“I’m really looking forward to Will making his debut,” Clarke said.
“He’s such an athlete — when you see him, he’s taller than me, he’s stronger than me.
“A few of the boys were a bit surprised when he told us he’d signed with the Storm, but I was just like, ‘I can see it’. With his aerial skills, he’s fast and strong, he really suits the game of league.”