Henry Pollock has been linked with a sensational switch to rugby league, as the England star continues to attract plenty of attention following his move to agent Eddie Hearn.
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Hearn, whose Matchroom Talent Agency represents Pollock, said last week that the 21-year-old is worth £1 million because of his commercial appeal and ability on the rugby field.
Pollock is reportedly earning £150,000 at Northampton Saints, with that figure set to be boosted by his retention on an RFU Enhanced Player Squad (EPS) contract, which is worth around another £150,000.
A move to a £1 million salary at Saints or elsewhere in the PREM Rugby is unlikely, given the competition’s salary cap regulations. Each club is permitted just one marquee player who can sit outside the cap.
Pollock’s position as a back row also makes it unlikely that a PREM Rugby club would be willing to break the bank for his services, while reports have now emerged suggesting a move into rugby league could be an option.
League clubs are reportedly interested in Pollock, prompting further speculation over his long-term future with Northampton and England.
According to CityAM, one Super League chief executive, who has a long-standing relationship with the Hearn family, revealed his admiration for Pollock “and in particular his off-field profile.”
Super League clubs can receive additional salary cap flexibility when signing union players who have never played the 13-man code professionally.
A move could therefore provide Pollock with a lucrative opportunity while also helping rugby league attract a new generation of fans in England, particularly with increased NRL investment potentially on the horizon.
The chief executive added: “We’d get a free hit on the salary cap due to dispensations for union players.”
Rugby league’s global finances currently fall short of those of its cross-code rival, but the salary cap dispensation and the financial strength of the Australian NRL could make a move an attractive short-term option for Pollock.
The Northampton star could also have his sights set on representing Great Britain at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, with rugby sevens potentially offering another route to international recognition.
Hearn has previously stated that Pollock is keen to remain at Northampton Saints, while also confirming his Olympic ambitions and revealing the youngster’s desire to build a “legacy”.
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