Cross Code XIII, Players Who Could Make Seamless Move To Rugby League
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Few players could switch between Rugby League and Union with the likes of Sonny Bill Williams and Ben Te'o two of the few that have made the cross code jump seamlessly in the modern era.
While the switch from League to union is more common than the other way round, we have selected XII of players that we believe could make the switch to the 13 aside format.
We have take inspiration from Sky Sports XIII but have gone with an alternative XIII. Like Fox, we have steered clear of players who have played both codes professionally.
Fullback
While there are many differences between the league and union positions, fullback is much alike in both leagues.
They are required to be strong under the high ball and be able to shift swiftly in attack and be an elusive runner.
Sky Sports went with Kurtley Beale but we have instead gone with Wales and Lions fullback Liam Williams.
Wingers
Again, the wingers in move formats of the two games require pretty much the same attributes.
While Sky Sports have gone with Josh Adams and Jonny May, we have instead gone for England winger Anthony Watson and All Black winger Rieko Ioane.
Watson could also double up as a fullback but we have gone with these two as Watson will provide pace, footwork and an excellent aerial ability while Ioane will add some extra power to the backline.
Centres
Again the roles in both formats of the game are similar. While Sky went for all power in Manu Tuilagi and Tevita Kuridrani we gone for one powerful runner and a more skilful and slick player.
We have picked Levani Botia and paired him up with World Cup winner Lukhanyo Am. A mix of pace power, the ability to offload and solid defence.
TRY OF THE DAY
— Fiji Rugby Union (@fijirugby) April 21, 2020
We look back to this powering run from Levani Botia leading to a try from Henry Seniloli against Tonga in the Pacific Nations Cup back in 2015 pic.twitter.com/CnxwCrPxFv
Halves
While the fly-half and scrum-half roles in union are particularly specific, they aren't as specialised in league but they are required to control the match and direct their team around the park.
Sky went with the likes of Richie Mo'unga and Will Genia but we changed it up by going with the excellent Antoine Dupont who could potentially play scrumhalf and first five.
While in the first-five role we have gone with Danny Cipriani, who we believed would have the biggest impact on league.
The Player of the Season 2018-19 is
— Gloucester Rugby (at 🏡) (@gloucesterrugby) May 4, 2019
Danny Cipriani pic.twitter.com/sQjv7yrIE6
Front row
The front rows in the two formats are vastly different. While Sky went with Billy Vunipola and Kyle Sinckler as their props we have gone a similar route selecting Fiji's Peceli Yato and Australia's Taniela Tupou.
The hooker in league is similar to the union scrumhalf and is usually there to get the ball away after a tackle. Sky Sports went with Cobus Reinach in the position who would be perfect for the role, we have gone with the a very similar player in New Zealand's TJ Perenara.
Back row
As with the props, the second rows will need to be able to get over the gain line along with being able to contribute in defence.
Sky Sports went with the likes of Maro Itoje and Brodie Retallick we have gone a very similar route in picking the Springboks' RG Snyman but have decided to sacrifice some height to include Justin Tipuric to feature alongside Snyman.
Loose forward
Sky understandable went with Owen Farrell in the loose forward role with England International playing the position he father became a legend in.
To combat Farrell, we have gone to the man that lined up across him in the World Cup final in Handre Pollard. Both players bring a mix of creativity and solid defence with an added kicking threat.
Sky Sports' XIII v Ultimate Rugby's XIII
1. Kurtley Beale v Liam Williams
2. Jonny May v Anthony Watson
3. Manu Tuilagi v Lukhanyo Am
4. Tevita Kuridrani v Levani Botia
5. Josh Adams v Rieko Ioane
6. Richie Mo'unga v Danny Cipriani
7. Will Genia v Antoine Dupont
8. Billy Vunipola v Peceli Yato
9. Cobus Reinach v TJ Perenara
10. Kyle Sinckler v Taniela Tupou
11. Maro Itoje v RG Snyman
12. Brodie Retallick v Justin Tipuric
13. Owen Farrell v Handre Pollard
