Chris Ashton, the hottest property in rugby union right now, slipped through rugby league’s net as a teenage star.

His try-scoring heroics for England against the Aussies at Twickenham last weekend made painful viewing for many purists of the league form, who are still lamenting his cross-code defection.

Ashton, who scored two tries in a 35-18 England victory,  came up through the junior ranks at Wigan and was tipped to eventually join his hometown club’s long list of legendary full-backs.

It didn’t happen. His emergence coincided with Wigan’s fall from grace and the threat of relegation under Ian Millward prior to the arrival of Brian Noble.

Ashton found himself vying for regular first-team rugby with veteran Aussie Michael Withers and became frustrated.

He also experienced contractual difficulties due to the salary cap and opted for a move into union at Northampton. Ashton has never looked back.

His shock defection and rise to fame in rugby union confirms the view that union now has greater pulling power and far more financial clout than league. Long gone are the days when rugby union’s finest, such as David Watkins and Martin Offiah, were enticed to play league. The boot is on the other foot.

Kevin Ashcroft, the former Warrington skipper and GB hooker, believes any talented young player like Ashton coming to the fore in league will soon be a target for wealthy rugby union clubs.

Ashcroft told MEN Sport: “Things have definitely gone full circle. And going into union has proved a great move for young Ashton. We can’t afford to lose players like this.

“It really is frustrating watching him turn in such a wonderful performance and realising he was one of ours. We should have kept him but in union they are letting this lad do what he wants and that is to express himself on the field.

“He’s playing a natural game. More big offers are bound to come in for any lads coming to the fore in league and they will be given careful consideration.

“You cannot take anything away from Ashton –  the lad is a talent and he has made the most of any opportunities coming his way.”

Salford Reds football director Steve Simms considered a move for Ashton before he opted to defect. Simms says Ashton did do well against Australia but is quick to point out that the whole team played well.

So what are the chances of Ashton one day returning to rugby league? Nil, if Saturday’s clash with the Aussies is anything to go by.

Ashcroft added: “There is no disputing the fact Ashton is talented. He’s clearly been blessed with a God-given natural talent.

“Rugby league has become predictable and players are now realising they are getting a better brand in union – they are playing more internationals and there is a bigger stage.

“Sam Tomkins, in my view, would be an absolute wow in rugby union. Just imagine what he would be like linking from full-back.

“There used to be a time when rugby league could make big offers to bring the best from rugby union but this is very much a thing of the past and this is why we have to try and protect our young players but I honestly feel Ashton will not be the only one who goes into union and sees his career take off.

“He was absolutely outstanding against Australia and the best is possibly yet to come.”

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