Aussies' surprise at Harris call

John Eales says there are big differences between codes

Rugby league convert Iestyn Harris would have had to earn his spurs before being picked by Australia's union side, says ex-Wallabies skipper John Eales.

The World Cup-winning captain expressed his surprise at Harris earning his first cap after just 200 minutes experience in the union game.

"I don't think it would have happened straight away," Eales told BBC Radio Wales' The Back Page programme.

"The policy has been clear since we've signed the likes of Wendall Sailor and Matt Rogers. They have to earn their way into the Test team.

"In Australia, it would probably mean playing most of the Super 12 next season to be in with a chance of being selected.

Iestyn Harris has a tough task, says John Eales

"He would have to earn his place ahead of the player that has been playing and training and earning that spot over the last year or whatever."

Eales, who retired from the game after leading Australia to the Tri-Nations Series in August, said there were still differences in the two codes that could trouble Harris.

"There are similarites, but they are still very different games.

"It's the finer points that won't come naturally to someone who hasn't played the game for a long time.

"It's going to be a huge challenge for him to get to Test standard in a sport he has basically never played before.

"It's a big ask for him to do it that quickly. If he does, I think he's going to be a really special player."