Could James O'Connor be a NRL hit and Benji Marshall succeed in rugby union?

BENJI Marshall is set to join rugby union, whlie James O'Connor could be heading the other way to the NRL. But can they succeed in new codes?

IT is football's version of trading places: while Wests Tigers star Benji Marshall is set to join rugby union, Wallabies playmaker James O'Connor could be heading the other way to the NRL.

But could they be a success? We asked an expert from each code - NRL great Matt Johns and rugby union legend Tim Horan - as to whether the two footballers could make the switch.

Matt Johns: Could James O'Connor make it in rugby league?

I have no doubt that O'Connor would be a very good league player. I have thought quite a few times this season that guys like O'Connor, Kurtley Beale and Quade Cooper would probably be better off in league than rugby at the moment.

I don't feel rugby rewards halves that take on the line. In league, that's absolutely essential. O'Connor has been criticised in some circles for how he approached the five-eighth role against the Lions, but that direct approach of running the ball and challenging defenders is sought after in league.

Also, the potential negative consequences of running the ball are greater in rugby than in league. Rugby tactics are more conservative than in league and as a consequence there is less scope to run the ball and take on the defensive line. These are O'Connor's strengths and are a big reason why I reckon he'd be a real asset in the NRL.

He's been at an added disadvantage of late, too, because the Wallabies pack has been pushed around a bit, meaning the backs have often been on the back foot by the time they see the ball. That gives creative players like O'Connor very little room to move.

Plenty of league clubs are looking for good halves at the moment. The argument that rugby blokes can't tackle is off the mark  they've been professional now for 20 years and have employed league coaches for a lot of that time. I don't think it would take too much work to turn him into a decent centre, fullback or five-eighth.

There's been a lot said about O'Connor's personality. A strong club with a strong culture is just what he needs. There's not a lot of scope for big heads in league and a club like the Storm would teach him the value of a strong work ethic and teamwork.

Tim Horan: Could Benji Marshall make it in rugby union?

He'd have to adapt very quickly but I think he could have some success. I think if he was with the Waratahs or the Blues, who play an attacking brand of rugby, that would suit his style.

Benji obviously likes to drift across field quite a bit in league and that could be a problem in rugby, but it would depend on who the players were outside him.

James O'Connor runs across field but then he's got a player like Adam Ashley-Cooper who can run a direct line outside of him. So as long as you know how your fly half runs or how your fullback plays or what angles they run, you can run different angles off them.

I think Benji could slot in at flyhalf or fullback either way. But especially with the way Super Rugby runs as well, you need depth. If he went with the Waratahs or the Blues he might start on the bench and get to understand the game, and then build from there.

Then there's also the option of going overseas, too.