Quote: Gotcha "Increase in salary cap for next year, and of course all clubs have the marquee option in addition. Whilst ever clubs hold on to players based on sentiment, the teams, and therefore the competition won’t move forward.'"
I think the clubs simply don't have the money and most would be unable to invest in a Marquee player. Leeds generate as much revenue as any side yet they struggle either mentally/physically to shell out the monies required to attract very best NRL players available.
Youth development should be applauded/encouraged but it shouldn't be the be all and end all of squad building/filling.
Look at the Leeds squad and there isn't a real quality overseas player in it. Most are pretty average players that struggled to get a game in the NRL - Cuthbertson, Garbutt, Parcell even Moon couldn't get a gig in the NRL.