Sale Sharks youngster Cameron Neild says he would welcome rugby league players wanting to switch codes amid speculation the club are set to sign Josh Charnley from Wigan Warriors.
Charnley has reportedly been approached by the Sharks as a possible replacement for winger Tom Brady who will join Leicester Tigers next season.
Former Wigan player and league legend Paul Deacon is now plying his trade in union as Sale’s attacking coach and Neild insists that league converts can have a positive impact in the game and forge successful careers in union.
“I think the game is pretty similar – it’s still passing backwards and running forwards,” said Neild.
“I think the press make it a bigger thing than it is in terms of crossing codes from league to union.
“I think league players coming over can be very successful. Sam Burgess’ stint over in union was very successful and he got to play in the World Cup.
“Paul Deacon is a prime example as well. You look at how our attack has flourished this season. He’s obviously a league coach who’s come in and in his first season introduced how he wants us to play the game and how he feels the game should be played.
“The success from that has obviously been shown on the field with our attack. There’ll be more players switching codes in the future and I hope they do well as well.”
Steve Diamond’s side have lost just two of their last 10 games and Neild is confident the team can continue their good form ahead of a tough set of fixtures – even when international players return to their clubs following the conclusion of the Six Nations this weekend.
“Every week is a cup final from now till the end of the season,” he added.
“As a team we see ourselves pushing for the top six and top four and the next couple of games are crucial to us.
“Obviously the international players do make a big difference and that is one of the reasons why we’ve been so successful in the last couple of weeks.
“But I think it also comes down to the form that the players are in as well and all 23 players in our squad are in form at the moment and are playing well and I think that’s the actual reason why we’re winning games and some other teams may be struggling.
“Everyone is enjoying the run that we’ve been on and we just need to make sure we can keep that going now for the last seven games till the end of the season and push on as far up the table as we can possibly go.”
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