Hall can bounce back from World Cup heartache, insists Offiah

Given his own standing in the sport, the prolific and devastating ex-Great Britain wideman is well-qualified to judge the attributes of any exponent of wing play.

Lightning quick former Wigan ace Offiah was enrolled into the Rugby League Hall of Fame before Christmas as his stunning career – encompassing an astonishing 501 tries – was given lasting and deserved recognition.

The 47-year-old believes England international Hall – who has rattled off 156 tries in just 193 games for Leeds – has all the ability and potential to go on and etch his own name into sporting immortality.

He feels this season could see the hulking 26-year-old, who has won four Grand Finals and is renowned for his finishing prowess, take his game to a different level again.

Offiah reckons the hurt of World Cup disappointment with England could prove the catalyst.

Hall was just inches away from holding onto an intercept pass that could have seen the hosts secure a famous semi-final win in the latter stages of their game against New Zealand only for the holders, instead, to fire back and steal victory in the final 20 seconds at Wembley.

“Ryan Hall has already been titled the world’s best winger,” said Offiah, the Yorkshireman earning that accolade in 2012.

He added: “The difference between being good and truly exceptional is having people forever remember brilliant things you have done.

“Hall was on the cusp of greatness, immortality and being remembered for ever with that chance at Wembley.

“Unfortunately, he knocked on and that chance went.

“But I remember how Billy Slater reacted to his mistake in the 2008 World Cup final for Australia and how he came back to prove he is one of the greats.

“Hall’s wasn’t even really a mistake but he had that chance to become truly massive in the game,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him return and have a really big season proving he’s one of the top figures in Super League and for England.

“He is a fantastic player and one of the best wingers I’ve ever seen.

“He is blessed with everything; size, pace and a great ability to finish. I think he’s only going to get better and better.”

Offiah says, though, it could be a player from his former club Wigan who tops the try-scoring charts in 2014.

Wigan’s Josh Charnley grabbed a record-breaking 46 tries last season and, when the champions open the new campaign at home to Huddersfield Giants on Friday, Offiah expects him to carry on where he left off.

“Everyone knows I’m a big Josh Charnley fan,” he said.

“Last year he became the first player to score 40 tries in a season in the Super League era and I was out at the Dubai Sevens with him recently when we were playing for the Joining Jack charity.

“I said if he scored 50 tries this season he’d definitely get Man of Steel. I wouldn’t be surprised if he did.”

However, Offiah, who became the world’s most expensive player when Wigan paid Widnes £440,000 for him in 1992, also reserves special praise for Bradford Bulls recruit Luke George.

The ex-Wakefield Trinity flier, 26, was allowed to leave League Leaders’ Shield winners Huddersfield at the end of last season after struggling to hold down a place in Paul Anderson’s side.

Jermaine McGillvary and Aaron Murphy each scored 20 tries apiece for the Fartowners, who have also since signed England Knights winger Jodie Broughton from Salford City Reds.

But Offiah said: “People were raving about Luke George not so long ago.

“He’s got real pace, is strong and can score. He seems to be blessed with all God’s gifts for a winger.

“I know if I could be anyone it’d be him as he’s got it all but he’s just not kicked on.

“Hopefully, he will at Bradford.

“I do think there is a spot for Super League to really unearth a star this season.

“Sam Tomkins has gone to the NRL now following Sam Burgess and there’s space for someone to really stand up and be a franchise player.

“The exciting thing is we don’t know who it will be yet.”