Totally agree that it really is like a different sport. Whether people think that is better or worse really is down to personal opinion.

Over the last few years the Brits that have gone to the NRL have done pretty well so I agree we can clearly produce players capable of being 'good enough'.

It`s an interesting debate which is the better version to watch and is down to personal choice I agree.
Got me thinking how do SL players compare to the NRL players in the different hemispheres.
In other words how many SL players have really performed in the NRL against how many NRL players that have really performed over here.
Any thoughts?

I think Cuthbo comes in for a lot of unwarranted stick on here. Always makes an impact off the bench for me and certainly with ball in hand we look a better team when he is on the field.

As others have said, freeing up an overseas slot is all well and good but it's got to be filled by the right person. Even when it looks like you're getting a better player, will they fit in and stick with us? IE, Merrin, Achurch, Peteru, Eastwood etc.

A couple of factors make that a difficult question to answer, the main one would be the point at which players come over to SL or the NRL. In the main the English players who have gone to the NRL and done well are in their prime or early years. Burgess, Graham, Bateman etc.
Players who have come from the NRL are normally IMO past their best, i struggle to think of a top top NRL player who has moved to super league in their prime.

I don’t think Australians do that well in SL, NZ, Tonga, samoans seem to do a little better. On balance I would say English forwards do well in the NRL but backs do not. Probably the opposite in terms of NRL players in SL, the halves and backs look good but the forwards less so.
As you said a very interesting debate

Agree it is much more boring than SL. They do seem to run harder, bigger impacts and very very physical. Half backs are robotic and it is mainly controlling and kicking for territory.

I find NRL much more enjoyable to watch. Some of the rugby is breathtaking and the hits are huge. It’s a superb product.

In paragraph 1 you ask who says the NRL is rubbish. In paragraph 2 you say the NRL is rubbish. You have answered your own question. But you are wrong, the NRL isn’t boring or predictable, that’s a ridiculous statement to make.

I don’t think anyone doubts Thompson can play in the NRL. The question is can he go over and be one of the top players over there like Morley, Ellis, Burgess, Graham and Hodgson have done.

That’s like saying the Championship is better to watch than Super League

To many it is. I know plenty of people who prefer National Conference League to Super League.

Lee kershaw anyone?