It's not just about the lack of space it's also about the fact that at FB he'd be expected to kick 80% of the time and to not do so risks the cardinal sin of a turnover. Equally in attack RU backs have to be more structured and less off the cuff to ensure they don't end up isolated from their forwards.

He'd be utterly utterly wasted in the kicking code. I can understand his brother switching - he's big and quick but not especially skillful - a natural Yawnion centre. But Sam would never find a natural position in Union that would allow him the freedom he has in League (see for example Iestyn or Henry Paul).

As a Leeds and England fan I really hope he goes to the NRL!

Tomkins was all class yesterday. He and Hall were two players who looked superior to the Aussies.

Boooooooooooooooooo

Seriously though G1, you're spot on, they were a class above yesterday!

As a Wigan and England fan I hope he stays at Wigan in SL where he is contracted for 5 years! I hope England can raise their game and beat Australia in the 4 nations and then have the NRL wanting all our players but then tell them to go and develop their own!
I really enjoyed Hall's two tries yesterday. Top class finishing.

Sam is contracted for five years to Wigan though it is believed the deal is a three year plus two option. It is Joel who is going to Union.
Sam has stated that he wants to rival Billy Slater one day as the best full back in world rugby. He isn't going to do that in England. Nor in Union where he'd go backwards at 100 mph.
Mcguire wants him at Souths and Crowe wants Sam at his club more than Mcguire.
So where to live then, playing for Saracens and living in Watford, or for Souths and living in a very nice part of Sydney?
Most Wigan supporters think he'll opt for Australia.
That's of course unless the RFL/SL do something that may make him decide to remain in English RL and at Wigan.
Two chances of that I suppose, no chance and fat chance!

I disagree, that would be James Roby for me.

I'm not bothered if he goes to Australia. I don't think we can be precious about players, they have a right to go where they want and do what they want when it comes to work (RL is their job after all). I also don't think one player is missed in a competition. Gives a chance for another player to step up.

So you're quite happy for the SL to be a feeder league for the NRL ?



Still....I suppose it's all the more reason for my ethos of promoting talented youth all the more sooner to first team action

The more British players in the NRL, then the closer England will get to matching the southern Hemisphere teams. Almost a quarter of our squad on Sat had played NRL last season. Next year with Graham and Burgess back we'll have a pretty good proportion of the team playing the players they face in internationals week in week out