Former Argentina winger Horacio Agulla has suggested that NRL heavyweights like the Sydney Rabbitohs and New Zealand Warriors should take a serious look at Pumas flanker Pablo Matera, following his destructive display in Argentina’s 29-23 win over the All Blacks.
The 32-year-old back-rower, already a centurion with 109 caps, was at the heart of Argentina’s victory in Buenos Aires, their fourth-ever triumph over New Zealand. Matera topped the match with 18 carries and two turnovers, but numbers alone don’t tell the story.
His runs weren’t just frequent—they were devastating. The standout moment came just after the hour mark, when Matera burst from the base of the scrum and bulldozed through the All Blacks’ defense, setting up Gonzalo Garcia’s crucial try. It was the kind of play that swung the momentum firmly in Argentina’s favor.
Agulla’s Call
Watching from afar, Agulla couldn’t help but draw parallels to rugby league. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the ex-Leicester Tigers star wrote:
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Pablito Matera gets flooded with offers from the NRL after the game he played against the All Blacks. An absolute beast. Eyes up.”
Agulla believes Matera’s upright, power-running style would translate perfectly into the NRL, where big ball-carriers are prized assets.
Reality Check
While the idea is tantalizing, a cross-code switch seems unlikely—at least for now. Matera remains a central figure for Argentina, and the national side will do everything possible to keep him in rugby union as they continue their Rugby Championship campaign.
The Pumas may be sitting fourth in the table, but the margins are razor-thin—they’re just two points off the All Blacks, with everything still to play for in the remaining rounds.
Whether or not an NRL move ever happens, one thing is clear: Pablo Matera is still a wrecking ball at 32, and his performance against the world’s best shows he’s far from done.
