RUGBY LEAGUE may soon come under threat from another sporting force that could take its talent – the WWE.

And former Huddersfield ace Eorl Crabtree could find himself pointing players towards the squared circle.

4 WWE ace John Cena could be a future opponent for a rugby league player Credit: WWE

The recently retired prop, the nephew of legendary wrestler Big Daddy, recently met with officials to see how they operate.

Now he has revealed they are looking at the 13-a-side code for talent that can make it.

Ex-Salford man Daniel Vidot has already lined up a WWE contract, while Toronto’s Luke Menzies recently had a try-out.

And Crabtree believes several players may be on the radar of scouts, with a base in Leeds already established.

4 Eorl Crabtree (left) looked on as WWE staged a massive show in Blackpool Credit: WWE

He said: “They are now looking at rugby league players. They can see an opportunity for them to get involved.

“We are big, athletic, not scared of contact and know some of the wrestling techniques as standard. Our guys could be ideal and there are training camps already set up, including one in Leeds.

“You’ve got to be tough, fit and physical and we fit into that category, and we enjoy the showmanship.

“The WWE are going to make some noise over here and I’m excited about that and the chance of pointing some league boys their way.

4 Eorl Crabtree has recently retired after a career playing for Huddersfield and England

“Who knows, then they could be on their way to America and superstardom.”

WWE is rapidly becoming an emerging market for people from all sports.

Former goalkeeper Stuart Tomlinson wrestled for them under the name Hugo Knox while ex-Germany international Tim Wiese made his debut in Munich in November.

While Crabtree, 34, is settling into an off-field role at Huddersfield after hanging up his boots following a career that saw him earn England recognition, he revealed he may have had a chance to appear in WWE.

4 Rugby league players may soon join top WWE stars Credit: WWE

His connection with wrestling saw them reach out to him and there may still be something in the pipeline.

He added: “They wanted to know what I was doing after rugby league but because of my age and injuries, it wouldn’t have worked out being a wrestler, even though they were really keen to get me training.

“There could still be a couple of cameo appearances. I’m not entirely sure yet, but it was something more than that.

“The WWE were interested in that part of my story and the future of British wrestling.

“They invited me over to have a look at their recruitment centre and NXT, which is essentially their division one, you go from there into the top echelon - Smackdown and Raw.”