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http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/afl-line-up-more-nrl-stars/story-e6frexnr-1225756068749
Hunt's $3 million defection to AFL, but six more NRL superstars have emerged as potential recruits to the cashed-up enemy code. Greg Inglis, Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater head a marquee list in the AFL crosshairs as it prepares to launch a team in rugby league heartland - Sydney's western suburbs.
And last night the three superstars' managers admitted they would not ignore future offers from the AFL to defect.
"Look, Greg is a rugby league player but who knows what the future holds? He will only be 25 when he comes off contract at the Storm," said Inglis's manager Allan Gainey.
"Already AFL coaches have identified him as a player who would be an outstanding convert. He has the right traits - athleticism, height, ability under the high ball and a powerful kick."
Thurston's manager Sam Ayoub added: "Johnathan is natural freak at any sport.
"He played a bit of AFL at a younger age. He hasn't spoken about AFL but AFL is an endurance sport and Johnathan has the best endurance levels at the Cowboys."
Slater's manager, George Mimis, said AFL talent scouts were aware of his client's brilliance.
"Billy is a tremendous athlete - his skills would be suited to any football code, including AFL,'' Mimis said.
"No doubt all the Melbourne AFL clubs would have had a good chance to watch Billy. He has re-signed with the Storm but you would never say never.''
The code-swapping is likely to intensify when the AFL moves into western Sydney for 2012.
"It's a wake-up call for Mr Gallop,'' Manly coach Des Hasler said. "It well and truly acknowledges the fact it's gloves off and it's time to get cracking. It's a real battle of the codes.
"AFL has certainly struck the first blow and maybe it's a test case but it's a fair place to start _ Karmichael Hunt is arguably one of the most exciting players in the NRL. It will be interesting to see how David [Gallop] and the NRL board reacts.
The Daily Telegraph last night learned Hunt's landmark three-year deal is worth around $1million a season - enough to rebuff mega-rich overtures from cashed-up Japanese and European rugby clubs.
The contract, which officially starts on November 1, is jointly funded by the new Gold Coast franchise and the AFL, which is topping up Hunt's salary in exchange for the league star to promote AFL in south-east Queensland.
Although yet to announce his team's official colours or name, Gold Coast CEO Travis Auld confirmed the club's first marquee signing was recruited as much for his marketing value off the field as his playing potential on it.
Former Kangaroo Garry Jack, who has spent 14 years watching son Kieren play AFL - the past four with the Sydney Swans - named Inglis, Slater, Thurston, Jamie Soward, Israel Folau, Jarryd Hayne and Darren Lockyer as certain stars in AFL.
"Inglis would be my number one - he'd be a star,'' Jack said.
Hunt's $3 million defection to AFL, but six more NRL superstars have emerged as potential recruits to the cashed-up enemy code. Greg Inglis, Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater head a marquee list in the AFL crosshairs as it prepares to launch a team in rugby league heartland - Sydney's western suburbs.
And last night the three superstars' managers admitted they would not ignore future offers from the AFL to defect.
"Look, Greg is a rugby league player but who knows what the future holds? He will only be 25 when he comes off contract at the Storm," said Inglis's manager Allan Gainey.
"Already AFL coaches have identified him as a player who would be an outstanding convert. He has the right traits - athleticism, height, ability under the high ball and a powerful kick."
Thurston's manager Sam Ayoub added: "Johnathan is natural freak at any sport.
"He played a bit of AFL at a younger age. He hasn't spoken about AFL but AFL is an endurance sport and Johnathan has the best endurance levels at the Cowboys."
Slater's manager, George Mimis, said AFL talent scouts were aware of his client's brilliance.
"Billy is a tremendous athlete - his skills would be suited to any football code, including AFL,'' Mimis said.
"No doubt all the Melbourne AFL clubs would have had a good chance to watch Billy. He has re-signed with the Storm but you would never say never.''
The code-swapping is likely to intensify when the AFL moves into western Sydney for 2012.
"It's a wake-up call for Mr Gallop,'' Manly coach Des Hasler said. "It well and truly acknowledges the fact it's gloves off and it's time to get cracking. It's a real battle of the codes.
"AFL has certainly struck the first blow and maybe it's a test case but it's a fair place to start _ Karmichael Hunt is arguably one of the most exciting players in the NRL. It will be interesting to see how David [Gallop] and the NRL board reacts.
The Daily Telegraph last night learned Hunt's landmark three-year deal is worth around $1million a season - enough to rebuff mega-rich overtures from cashed-up Japanese and European rugby clubs.
The contract, which officially starts on November 1, is jointly funded by the new Gold Coast franchise and the AFL, which is topping up Hunt's salary in exchange for the league star to promote AFL in south-east Queensland.
Although yet to announce his team's official colours or name, Gold Coast CEO Travis Auld confirmed the club's first marquee signing was recruited as much for his marketing value off the field as his playing potential on it.
Former Kangaroo Garry Jack, who has spent 14 years watching son Kieren play AFL - the past four with the Sydney Swans - named Inglis, Slater, Thurston, Jamie Soward, Israel Folau, Jarryd Hayne and Darren Lockyer as certain stars in AFL.
"Inglis would be my number one - he'd be a star,'' Jack said.
