Playing in the NRL is a dream come true for Australian rugby league players, but some have also enjoyed great success in the English Super League.
Super League is often viewed as a destination for those Aussies who are entering the twilight of their career, or those looking to get a faltering career back on track.
Jackson Hastings was a perfect example of the latter, when starring for both Salford and Wigan in Super League, before returning to the NRL.
There have been a host of Aussies who have enjoyed great success in Super League and, with the Kangaroos set to face England in the Ashes for the first time since 2003, now is a good time to look at some of the best.
Here is a rundown of the five greatest Aussies to have played in Super League.
5. Bevan French
Bevan French is currently playing in Super League with Wigan Warriors, where he has enjoyed great success.
After spending two seasons with Parramatta Eels, French joined the Warriors in 2019, and has so far made 126 appearances.
The 29-year-old has amassed 448 points for the Warriors and has helped them to two Super League Grand Final wins.
French and the Warriors will be out to make that three this weekend when Wigan face Hull KR in the Grand Final at Old Trafford and the playmaker, who is showing no signs of slowing down, may well play a big part.
4. Brett Hodgson
Brett Hodgson represented Parramatta and Wests Tigers in the NRL before making the switch to Super League in 2009.
The New South Wales star joined Huddersfield Giants and won the Man of Steel, which is awarded to Super League’s player of the season, in his debut campaign.
Hodgson then moved to Warrington and the success continued, guiding the Wolves to a Challenge Cup win and earning the Lance Todd Trophy for man of the match.
The fullback spent five years in Super League overall and scored over 1200 points in the process.
3. Jamie Lyon
Jamie Lyon arrived in Super League in 2005 and went on to be a huge success with St Helens.
He may have only had two seasons with Saints, but Lyon made a huge impact during his time with the club.
The centre won the Man of Steel in his first season, and then played a huge role as St Helens won the treble the year after.
Lyon scored 46 tries in 63 appearances before returning to the NRL with Manly, where he again showed his class, helping them win two Premierships.
2. Adrian Vowles
Adrian Vowles spent a lengthy spell in the English Super League, arriving back in 1997 and playing through until the end of 2005.
His biggest spell was with Castleford Tigers, who he joined from North Queensland Cowboys, and for whom he went on to make 142 appearances for.
Vowles also had spells with Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield, before finishing his career back with the Tigers.
Playing at lock or centre, Vowles earned cult hero status with Castleford, winning the Man of Steel award in 2009.
1. Pat Richards
At number one, Pat Richards takes the award for the greatest Aussie to have played in Super League after seven great years with Wigan.
The versatile Richards made 244 appearances for the Warriors, scoring 2468 points, making him the highest overseas points scorer in the competition’s history.
Richards won the Super League Grand final on two occasions, while he also helped Wigan to Challenge Cup Final glory in 2011 and 2013, and was named Man of Steel in 2010.
After a brief spell back with the Wests Tigers in the NRL, Richards returned to Super League for one season with Catalans Dragons in 2016.
He made 21 appearances for the French outfit, scoring nine tries and 198 points.
