Do you think that SL players ever have NRL clauses that could get round this?
Hock obviously didn't else he'd be there now.

I doubt there would be a clause allowing Watkins to leave soon. Maybe a release from the last year of his contract to go to the NRL, but any more than that would negate the point of signing him up on a long term contract.

I know champioship players tend to have clauses for SL clubs.
If the money really cranks up in the NRL, I can imagine SL player having clauses that at least set a transfer fee from a NRL club.

Well it's not really a policy that England are adopting, is it? The reason players are leaving/will leave is because they will get more money, live somewhere sunny and play at a much higher level, not because it will benefit the English national team.

If Super League want the biggest stars, Sky will have to up their contract. You never know, they may perceive this player drain as a need to put in more investment and keep their product (SL on TV) at as good a quality as possible.

Competition could be good for us in the long run.

For now, it will make the NRL a lot more interesting for the Brits!