Golden Boot winner Makinson declares NRL interest

Rugby league fans in the southern hemisphere could become even more familiar with Golden Boot winner Tommy Makinson in the future after he became the next Super League player to declare his interest in joining the NRL.

The 27-year-old was a surprise winner for the international award in Leeds on Wednesday night, a decision that has generated widespread opinion across the game from both sides of the world.

Makinson's burst onto England's international scene has essentially come at Sydney Roosters-bound Ryan Hall's expense, after the Rhinos winger ruptured his ACL in August.

Hall will continue his rehabilitation at Bondi over the pre-season, and Makinson indicated the opportunity to follow him and play in the NRL was on his career to-do list before retirement.

"It's something I want to do, definitely," Makinson said.

"It's something I'd like to experience; whether that'll be in a couple of years or not, who knows. But it's something I'd like to do."

Makinson re-signed with St Helens on a four-year deal until 2021 last season, but it's understood the club wouldn't stand in his way at the latter stages of the contract for him to chase his NRL dream.

Makinson has ties with Newcastle Knights coach Nathan Brown after their time spent together at St Helens, but insisted no contact had been made over an immediate move.

"I've spoken to him as I get on with him pretty well - but not yet," Makinson said of Brown.

The England international has scored 108 tries in 199 club appearances for St Helens but suffered a difficult two-year period with a broken ankle in 2015 and ruptured ACL the following year.

He came onto Wayne Bennett's radar in May to make his Test debut off the bench in Denver and has now all but cemented his spot as Hall's long-term replacement in the side.

"That's sport, isn't it?" Makinson said.

"It's little moments that sometimes could go your way. I could have said I could have played for England four or five years ago but didn't get a chance for whatever reason but it is what it is.

"I've worked hard and carried on; Ryan has missed out with a terrible injury and I hope he's fine, but it gave me an opportunity and I had to take it with both hands.

"But it's not just Ryan - look at the players coming through in the outside backs. If you have a bad game in an England shirt these days, you may not get another chance."