Hull's star signing Shaun Berrigan reckons increasing numbers of marquee NRL stars will be heading north in the near future.
Hooker is introduced at Hull
Hull's star signing Shaun Berrigan reckons increasing numbers of marquee NRL stars will be joining Super League clubs in the near future.
Australians heading north in recent years have often been nearing the end of their careers but the former Australia hooker is very much at the peak of his powers.
The likes of Wigan's Trent Barrett and St Helens' Matt Gidley are also still in their prime, while Melbourne and Australia centre Matt King is heading for Warrington.
The 29-year-old Berrigan admits money is the chief motivating factor.
Younger
"Over in Australia young players play first grade a lot earlier these days and they get paid a lot more money when they are younger now," he said.
"Obviously that takes it from the other guys and they don't get paid as well as they should. So I think it's going to be a consistent trend from here on out."
Berrigan is seen by coach Peter Sharp as the ideal replacement for former New Zealand hooker Richard Swain, who retired last season.
Yet Berrigan also offers versatility having been prolific at centre earlier in his Broncos career and having also played as a half-back.
"I just like playing football," added Berrigan. "It doesn't matter where Peter puts me as long as I am out there.
"Ever since I started playing I wanted to come to England at some stage. I've been with the same club in Australia since I left school and I've wanted to try something different."
Berrigan has agreed a four-year contract with Hull that almost certainly means the end of his international career.
No regrets
Australia rarely call up overseas-based players but Berrigan has no regrets, even though there is a World Cup at the end of next season.
"There is no chance of me playing for Australia anymore," he said. "You sort of give those rights up when you leave Australia.
"I knew that when I came here but I have made a commitment. It's four years, awesome."
Hull have hailed the former Australia hooker as one of the biggest signings in their history but Berrigan, who won two Grand Finals with the Broncos, is keen to play down the hype.
"It is nice to hear those things but they mean nothing unless you perform," he added.
"There is no point listening to that, you have got to play footy.
