The Chief wrote:
One positive of this massive NRL deal is that it could prove an attraction to young players in the UK who aspire to sample the lifestyle in Australia whilst earning a better wedge than they would in Super League. It may be an incentive for some kids to get involved with the game.
Speaking to a couple of the lads who have just come back from the U18's tour. They loved it and "connections have been made."
I've been advocating for four or more years now that each Superleague Club should be forming a partnership with an Aussie Club and sending one or two young players a year over their as part of their scholarship/ academy placement.
We may lose a few who stay over there, but that's a chance we should be willing to take and invest in.
It's far better than what's about to be announced in the next few weeks.
The big argument is, what's in it for the Aussies? I think myself and Billinge Lump may have had this discussion (it could have been, Div, Mclellan or Sadfish) but surely even they realise that we have to have top class International competition.
Rant over.
Sorry but this is one of my "hot buttons"