- Jones pointed to Warriors forward Erin Clark as one who could switch codes
Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has named five NRL stars he believes could comfortably switch codes to rugby union.
Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary, who is off-contract at the end of 2027, was his number one pick – but another choice will surprise many footy fans.
Speaking on player agent Steve Gillis’ Chiming In podcast, Jones pointed to Warriors forward Erin Clark as one who could be a sensation in the 15-man game.
‘He’s one of the best carriers around. You know, great footwork, he’s low to the ground and powerful,’ Jones said of the Dally M Lock of the Year last season.
‘He’d play in the back row in rugby.’
The other players Jones nominated were Rabbitohs lock Cameron Murray, Penrith second-rower Liam Martin and Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton.
Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has named five NRL players he believes could comfortably switch codes to rugby union
Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary, who is off-contract at the end of 2027, was Jones’ number one pick
Speaking on player agent Steve Gillis’ Chiming In podcast, Jones pointed to Warriors forward Erin Clark (pictured) as one who could be a sensation in the 15-man game
Murray attended Newington College where he was a standout in the school’s first XV – but Martin and Crichton don’t have rugby backgrounds.
Joseph Suaalii defected from the Roosters at the end of the 2024 NRL season – and he will be joined by Tricolours duo Angus Crichton and Mark Nawaqanitawase ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Jones, 66, has been the head coach of Japan since 2024 – his second stint in charge of the Cherry Blossoms.
He was at the helm for England between 2015 and 2022 – and infamously for the Wallabies during the 2023 World Cup, where they failed to progress beyond the group stage for the first time.
An embarrassing 22-15 defeat at the hands of Fiji – the first time Australia had lost to the Pacific nation in 69 years – effectively sealed Jones’ fate.
‘[I] gave it a run. Hopefully it will be the catalyst for change. Sometimes you have to eat s*it for others to eat caviar further down the track,’ Jones said after he resigned as head coach.
Jones was just 10 months into a five-year, $5million deal with Rugby Australia.
During his second stint in charge – Jones also coached the Wallabies between 2001 and 2005 – Australia won only two of nine Tests.
Before turning his attention to coaching, Jones was a fan favourite with Randwick in Sydney club rugby.
The hooker played 210 games for the Galloping Greens between 1981 and 1991, winning multiple premierships.
