Napa sets sights far beyond 100th NRL game

Rugby league can thank the banning of the shoulder charge for delivering Dylan Napa to their sport.

But we're not talking about the rule change the NRL made in 2013.

Napa grew up in a rugby union mad family and played the 15-man game for the majority of his formative years.

However when he grew frustrated with the limitations put on his hard-hitting defensive whack, he decided to look elsewhere.

"When I left school you couldn't shoulder charge in union so I switched to league," Napa said.

"And when I switched to league they banned it.

"But that was the main reason I switched codes. I'm pretty glad I switched codes because I've made a lot of great friends in rugby league."

Not that rugby union will be winning the Sydney Roosters firebrand back any time soon.

The 24-year-old will play his 100th NRL match against Cronulla on Saturday night, as the Roosters attempt to wrap up a top four spot.

The Aspley junior made his Queensland State of Origin debut this year and has laid his eyes firmly on winning his maiden Kangaroos jersey at this year's World Cup.

The Roosters prop was named in an Australian honour squad at the end of the Origin series by Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga, but is aware his best chance to press his claims will come in next month's NRL finals.

"It's definitely a goal," Napa said.

"I certainly have thought about it and being selected in that is definitely a personal goal.

"It all starts with team goals which is playing finals footy and hopefully trying to be there at the end of the year."