It’s not exactly a coincidence, but it is also not the major causative effect. Wigan and Saints make a big deal about it because it makes them feel better about the success that they buy. See also ‘culture’. Fans of other clubs like it because it gives them hope, however misplaced.



I’m struggling to respond to that, I’ll admit.




Planning on that basis won’t work though, no matter how well-intentioned. And that’s a real shame for young players more than anybody else. Individual clubs have to understand and pursue their own self interest. They sink if they don’t. That means recognising the areas where they should compete and those where they should act collectively and perhaps not have direct control. However, the interests of the SL clubs are far from perfectly aligned and the current system does benefit some of the richest and most powerful, even if it is to the detriment of the sport overall. That’s not the fault of those wealthier clubs and they do put up with the salary cap, in fairness. It just reflects that SL has a mix of clubs of quite different sizes and available resource.

Would be a great signing, not without it's risk, but I don't see a better domestic option.

Like I say seems a lot better for this season but they’re still having to to try and pay clubs to take big earners like Bateman and Sullivan reminds me very much of Hull recently, especially looking at the players that have come through their system and let go as well as the horror signings. Hopefully we’ve both turned a corner.

On Bateman specifically, if you believe the figures the Aussie press are saying another back rower isn’t our top priority but he would still be decent value IMO. I read yesterday that Wests are willing to pay 300K Aussie dollars of his 600K salary (just north of 150K) if he wants to stay in Aus though he’s every right to dig his heels in.

Ok I fancy Cade Cust to be a real.good signing for us. Just got a feeling he could be a bolter for us this year

I wasnt sure when signed him. Using a bench spot on a quota player with a lot to prove was a risk. However, from the videos seen in social media. He looks sharp.

In Sutton and Bateman. I would take them both for the right price. If the tigers and and bulldogs are willing to pay a large chunk of their salary wage they’re worth it. Non quota experienced players with a lot to prove.

Moley seems to think there is at least two NRL sides interested in Bateman, imagine any chance of him staying in SL are pretty low