Clubs should be able to spend exactly what they can afford to spend. The likes of Wiga, Warrington, Leeds, St Helens, Salford have the money to spend. It annoys the hell out of me when the RFL won't allow clubs who have for years been sensible with finances, clever in the sales& marketing environment and have the cash to spend are restricted.

Sod bringing us down to Wakey, Cas and London's level. If they can't keep up then tough. It's about time the RFL grew a set IMHO.

How do you reconcile this with a chairman in IFL who sells players for profit and is opposed to increasing wages? I'm not necessarily saying IL is wrong and it could be that he is holding wages down to help lower clubs but you can't avoid the fact that some of the largest clubs are showing no inclination to increase their costs at all and they are probably prudent to do so. The thing that really frustrates me is that the hierarchy actively prevent money from entering the sport, be it external player endorsements or from benefactors such as Koucash.

Saints have lost around £10 million since 2000 (they lost over £1 million last year) The game itself needs to be on a better financial footing. Wigan have only started generating a profit in the last four or five years. Sadly the clubs voted for a the new deal without looking at what was available down the line. Lenagan whom I generally support should have voted NO rather than change his mind the day after.

No - I don't think anyone actually considers this and I can see why.

According to Russel Crowe Sam has gone because he was not permitted to play Origin - I have asked the question before about how much player's in Origin can earn but nobody seems to know - but for me the quality produced in Origin may be because there is more than just state pride on the line.

I'm still waiting to see if there's any truth in the rumour that Sam had some kind of bust-up with Souths.

I too find it very difficult to believe that having won constant rave reviews in the crucible of the NRL - where RU is routinely laughed at, especially the Pommie variety - but never having won any actual silverware to prove his credentials, big Sam was suddenly bowled over by the thought of representing England RU; to an extent where it would turn both his and his family's worlds upside down. The idea is almost laughable.

First Live Game featuring Wigan on TV in NZ for a very very long time.

Come on Wigan.

Bit Grim at half time. Not likely to win but we could claw this back a fair way by cutting out the errors.

<sigh> www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/leag ... 33911.html

<sigh> www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/leag ... 33911.html

Quote ="TonyM19"<sigh> www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/leag ... 33911.html'" I couldn't care less what he does or says these days. He did the dirty on us and I wouldn't be surprised to see him do it to the Warriors. We are in a whole new scenario now re player loyalty.

Quote ="TonyM19"<sigh> www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/leag ... 33911.html'" I couldn't care less what he does or says these days. He did the dirty on us and I wouldn't be surprised to see him do it to the Warriors. We are in a whole new scenario now re player loyalty.

I entirely agree....

+ 1

Quote ="TonyM19"<sigh> www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/leag ... 33911.html'" So in other words, "Okay, I've tried the NRL. England come and get me." It was only a matter of time.

Quote ="TonyM19"<sigh> www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/leag ... 33911.html'" So in other words, "Okay, I've tried the NRL. England come and get me." It was only a matter of time.

I wonder how this affects Joel Tomkins. He seems to be further and further down the pecking order as far as the England team is concerned. Is he a realistic hope for the World Cup.

I don't follow union and wouldn't know if he is playing well or even if he is playing at all. What are the chances of a return to League?

having watched the England ru games he played in I'd doubt he'll be getting anywhere near their world cup side. would like to see him back tbh as the season he had as second row before his move to centre he was very very good.

I think Joel has maxed out in RU with his couple of caps. However, he can still earn way more than we were paying him and can play Heineken Cup rugby even if he never pulls on an England shirt again.

Joel got injured against New Zealand in November and I don't think he has played since. He hasn't set RU alight but was doing ok and was involved in a win against Australia. I can't see him returning to RL any time soon.

I was expecting to see Eastmond returning to RL, but he has signed a new contract for Bath.

A quick check of the Saracens website confirms that he was on the replacements bench on the last two games the last one being at Salford against Sale. Can't think why I didn't go!