The former league star may have found his niche at the Waratahs and Wallabies but not before a disastrous stint in AFL. The publicity he gained the fledgling GWS side may be immeasurable but two goals from 13 games is hardly the stuff Brownlows are made of.

2. Michael Jordan (Basketball to baseball)

After the death of his father, the world’s most famous athlete announced he would trade basketball for a career in baseball in 1994. He never made the majors, however, and the man who made the No.23 famous announced his return to the Chicago Bulls in March 1995 with two words: ‘‘I’m back.’’

3. Jose Canseco (baseball to MMA)

What do you do when you’ve bagged 462 home runs and Simpsons immortality in a glittering career? Have a crack at MMA, of course. Canseco first and only bout lasted all of 72 seconds in 2009, but he wasn’t done yet, campaigning to become mayor of Toronto (Yes, We Canseco) despite the small detail that he’s not a Canadian citizen.

4. Tony D’Arcy (Union to league)

The highly-touted Wallabies prop switched to the 13-man game after 10 Tests in 1982, but found himself unable to adapt to the faster code for the Panthers. His efforts could well be the reason few forwards have made the switch since.

5. Mal Meninga (League to politics)

The time it takes to read this will be longer than the Queensland and Raiders legend’s foray into politics. For 24 seconds in 2001, big Mal dared to dream – until the immortal words: ‘‘I’m just a person out there, making sure that I was, um, I’m buggered, I’m sorry.’’