By Bryn Palmer BBC Sport Online

For rugby league followers, Lote Tuqiri's defection to rugby union is the latest dagger blow to hit the 13-a-side code.

One of the stars of the world champion Kangaroos, the prolific wing could not resist the overtures of the Australian Rugby Union.

Tuqiri confirms union switch

With salary cap restrictions in force in the National Rugby League, the financial riches on offer to Tuqiri ultimately proved irresistable.

The attraction of a World Cup on home soil next year was another decisive trump card for the ARU.

Robinson's feats have set a high standard

Tuqiri, perhaps mindful of a lacklustre league World Cup in England two years ago, cited the autumn showpiece as a decisive factor in his decision.

But will he make the desired impact on union's global stage ?

He is following in the footsteps of a host of high-profile league stars who have made the World Cup their stated target.

England's Jason Robinson has set the standard for the others, and his remarkable success will prove a hard act to follow.

The 27-year-old made his debut for Sale Sharks in November 2000, and appeared three times as a replacement in the 2001 Six Nations Championship.

But his potential was such that he earned selection for the British Lions last summer, and scored 10 tries in a stunning tour of Australia.

Tougher transition

Another sparkling season followed for both club and country, culminating in 'Billy Whizz' winning two Player of the Year awards.

Wales fly-half Iestyn Harris however has endured a far tougher transition.

After scoring more than 2,000 points in rugby league with Warrington, Leeds, Wales and Great Britain, the 26-year-old arrived in union amid much fanfare last autumn.

But to date the �1.5m the Welsh Rugby Union reportedly paid to secure Harris' services has appeared an expensive gamble.

Despite scoring a club record 31 points for Cardiff on his full debut, he endured a traumatic Test entrance against Argentina after a mere 200 minutes of union activity.

Harris has yet to convince in a Wales shirt

Burdened by the expectations of a nation, the hoped-for Messiah has yet to prove subsequently he is the answer to Welsh woes.

England convert Henry Paul is another who has faced an awkward first season in the 15-a-side code.

The former New Zealand league star was ushered into Clive Woodward's squad with almost indecent haste a mere five days after his debut for Gloucester.

But he has yet to convince observers that he deserves the faith of the management, and had a dismal Test bow in the Six Nations defeat to France.

Paul has subsequently excelled on the Sevens circuit, but has yet to fully establish himself as a first-choice for his club.

Wendell Sailor was the biggest name in league after completing his Test career with two tries in Australia's 2000 World Cup final triumph.

But the former Brisbane Broncos star is struggling to justify the reputed A$750,000 (�500,000) the ARU paid to lure him to the 15-man code.

He scored a try on his Australia debut after a lean Super 12 season, but has had to fend off criticism that he was given a 'red-carpet ride' into the Test squad.

Rogers can play in a number of positions

His recent omission for the Tri-Nations opener against New Zealand, however, indicates he is not yet considered first-choice material.

Sailor's former Kangaroos team-mate Mat Rogers looked instantly at home in a New South Wales shirt after quitting league last year.

He helped the Waratahs to the Super 12 semi-finals for the first time, and like Sailor, was rewarded with a Test debut against France recently.

But whereas Sailor relies on outright speed and power, the 26-year-old Rogers appears to have a greater variety to his game.

He has already played full-back, inside centre, fly-half and wing, and looks to be on track for a successful union career.