I'm not normally one to moan but I see no benefit to the training sessions with Bath RU whatsoever given our current bad form.

In our current situation the sessions should have been cancelled and I don't give a damn what this would have done to our relationship with Bath. In the build up to the Wakefield game we now have 2 days allocated to training with a union team when this time could have been spent trying to fix or improve the areas where we a struggling.

I may be being short sighted but I see this as being beneficial to Bath only on the basis that they are able to view first hand the potential talent that we have coming through the ranks. Its like going into a shop and being able to sample the goods before you buy!

Ok I will base my opinion on what is actually happening and is backed up by examples, lots of examples, throughout both codes and you base yours on what McRea said.

Each to their own.

Actually I said that I'm not invested in either side of the debate. I then said, why don't you ask a coach. I'm not sure why you are getting all hufty about it since a) I thought you'd be interested in a coach's opinions anyhow and b) I'd be interested to hear what he says, too.

It seems you just can't talk "seriously" to adults these days ...

The basis of the conversation is flawed and I tried to leave it on several occasions because I could see where it was going.

I am presenting facts things we know to be true, ie there are many many fewer forwards who have made the transition to Union from League and been successful than vise versa.

I feel backrow Union forward are suited to league because of the similar skill set required. I have highlighted examples of why this is and also highlighted league forwards that have failed to make an impact in Union.

Talking to adults has nothing to do with it. I don't talk to SL coaches anymore but when I did they were far more relevant than McRea was in the modern game.

I am happy for you to name the successful League forwards that have made an impact in Union, I will name you 4 times more that have been successful the other way.

You are also way out on your comments about the salary cap differential.

I don't mind having intelligent conversation but the response that McRea said it so it must be true is not the train of thought held be an adult. Present an opinion present evidence to back it up.

I tried to walk away from this thread on several occasions but when you post ridiculous "tests" as to back up your stance or to attempt to disprove a hypothesis I felt obliged to comment.

I won't be responding again as I am sure we both have better things to do, unless you present something mildly valid to back up your opinion other than "ask a SL coach".

Like I said lets agree to disagree.

Over to you for the last word as unless it adds weight to your opinion I wont waste both our time by replying.

I don't think you two are even arguing over much TBH.

Sticking to my time from 1981+ I remember the days of union players coming to RL, and it was hugely hit and miss except for wingers and centres (even then there were spectacular flops like Carrington at Sts and Sailor was tailor-made for RL but not for RU). I suspect the same would have been true in reverse, and the same would happen today in either direction.

For every Quinnel (lets call him a success) there were many forwards who were virtual flops (Dai Young at Leeds still makes me cringe). Even in the halfs very few made it - and most not in the same position. Kevin Ellis was probably the only genuine halfback I can think of who made a good fist of halfback in league. Jonathan Davies was OK at 6, but miles better at fullback and often played in the centres.

I've said time and again that the biggest single mistake RL used to make when going for RU players was chasing names and not identifying 'natural' RL players in Union. John Gallagher etc etc [insert name here were great in RU, but almost entirely unsuited to league.

Luckily RU seems to be making the same mistake in reverse - Farrell, Paul and Harris were ideal RL players, but whilst they did OK in Union I don't think its just down to age etc that they weren't a staggering success. Burgess strikes me in exactly the same way - if he sticks to RU I've no doubt he'll end up being a good player, probably an international. But the completely dominant player he can be in RL? Not a chance IMO.

I say luckily because if RU actually put a bit more thought and effort into raiding SL, they could gut the sport and get far more benefit for themseleves. As it is every high-priced flop or star RL player turned average RU player helps keep them at bay.

I think Farrell is a completely different case. For me RU bought Farrell the coach and Owen Farrell rather than Andy the player.