Wales ‘in the hunt’ for league ace Frizell

WALES are reportedly hunting one of the biggest stars in world rugby as part of their plans for the Wayne Pivac era.

And they will be encouraged to learn that Australia-based Tyson Frizell, whose dad Andrew hails from Swansea, is “keeping his options open” as he head towards the end of his contract in rugby league.

It has been reported by the Rugby Paper that the Welsh Rugby Union have held discussions with the powerful forward about the possibility of a cross-code switch that could catapult Frizell into Welsh ranks ahead of the 2023 World Cup.

Capturing him would be tantamount to handing Pivac a gift to launch his reign as Wales head coach.

Frizell is a second-row enforcer in league, but he is seen as an inside centre in union, a role he filled at schoolboy level, with others arguing the 6ft 1in, 16st 3lb player would be more suited to blindside flanker.

Whatever, the 26-year-old has a big decision to make as he heads towards the end of his contract at St George Illawarra Dragons in 2020.

A source close to the player told the Western Mail: “Tyson has a lot of thinking to do. At this stage, he is keeping his options open.

“He has played union before and enjoys the game.

“How good is he? Well, he plays rugby league in Australia and in the State of Origin competition and to do that you have to be a very good player. For me, he’s one of the best league players in the world.

“I would see him as a blindside flanker in union.

“It would take a bit of time to relearn the game, but I have no doubt he could be a success.”

Frizell, pictured above, appeared for Wales at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, later switching to Australia and playing for them in their World Cup final success over England.

The WRU spoke to his younger brother Shannon before he was snapped up by New Zealand, the 24-year-old since going on to make a fine start to his career as an All Black.