Two-time Rugby World Cup winner, Tim Horan, has revealed that he was close to inking a deal with the North Sydney Bears after the 1991 World Cup.
The former Wallaby revealed that he had numerous offers throughout his storied rugby career, but was happy that he stayed in union.
Speaking to SEN’s Jimmy Smith, Horan detailed how close he was to switching codes throughout the 1990s.
“There was a few times (I spoke to rugby league clubs), I think back to the early days when I came back from the 1991 World Cup,” Horan said on SEN 1170 Afternoons.
“I had a chat to Balmain, a few other clubs and (English side) Wigan was a decent offer, in the end North Sydney was as close as I came to joining a side.
“I virtually agreed to join North Sydney, but I injured my knee and said I probably wouldn’t play rugby league again, so I let that one go.
“Luckily enough I stayed in rugby, which has been great for me personally and the family, with what has happened with me in rugby.”
As someone who almost switched codes himself, Horan had his say on the potential switch for Roosters’ young gun Joseph Suaali’i.
Rugby Australia is believed to be plotting a lucrative five-year worth $10 million for the 19-year-okd.
“It’s interesting what he’s done going to the Roosters and playing some good footy … occasionally there are league players who played (union) back in the day, a bit like Marieka Koroibete,” he said.
“Suaali’i and Cameron (Murray), who played a lot of rugby in his junior days, have to come for the right reasons, you want to play in a World Cup and to try and beat the All Blacks."