This is the down side to the salary cap: it's been at the same level for some years now, meaning that league teams can't pay anywhere near what union teams can and that promising league players will continue to be enticed away from the game by the lure of big union money. Surely this can't be good for league in the long run.

spot on, was just going to mention Lewsey, similar in stature and versatility, I like Smithy, never plays the game by numbers, just what he sees in front of him and isn't afraid to try things.

Listen to the last Bulls podcast. Mind you, he's not going to come out saying that this move was the worst thing he's ever done.

Where do i find that then?

[urlhttp://www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/podcast[/url

Just going to say the same thing. Imo Smith will do well in Union he has skill, pace and is a good kicker, what more do you need

There's not many 22 year old English backs who have the skill set to play all the positions Smith can play. He's probably out performed Webb at full back this year (I don't think there're many full backs in SL as good as him), and is starting to make the right centre position his own. He's a big loss IMO.

I say i say you are foghorn leghorn and i claim my £5

Agreed. The salary cap has to be looked at. I think there should be assistance given to clubs to poach from union (as Noble said not long back) and also to fend off RU from poaching our best young talent. Not easy to do i know, but we must do more to stop RU poaching our players.

The dire state of the international game is another factor. Improvements have been made but we're still a long way off. We need more top international games and (propper) Lions tours etc imo.

The salary cap is doing a fantastic job. We shouldn't over-react because one player has gone to RU.

If the loss of Andy Farrell, Jason Robinson, Iestyn Harris, Henry Paul and their like didn't kill Super League then the loss of Lee Smith will barely register a scratch on its' skin.

Where will the Lions tour now that the seasons here and down under run concurrently?

Agreed, problem is SL is hardly awash with quality strength in depth at international level. I'm just fearful that more players may go...

On your last point answer is it can't really be done... which is a damn shame and imo damages the game. don't really know what the answer is but we must have a better international game.