In the Sunday Times yesterday, Sam Tomkins was specifically mentioned as one of a "top ten" to be fast tracked through for the RWC 2015. HE was the only RL player on the list. I suspect, as Bath are about to find out with Kyle Eastmond, with the odd exception (Jason Robinson), RL backs will not save the English RU. Players like Chris Ashton are finishers, Hape was a let down, Big LES never made it in the Big Time.

The RU needs creators as they have plenty of finishers of their own. That means a stand off. To play stand off at Union is very difficult unless you have played there all your life. RL forwards are generally not suited to Union for a variety of reasons. RU flankers tend to be RL props (Apollo P and Maurie). Not many RL forwards are the required 6'5" to play in the second row or back row.

There may be the odd raid but,to as to a "pillage", I doubt it very much.

Thornley was on TV a couple of weeks back playing for Leeds Carnegie on loan from Sale. Played pretty well from the highlights I saw. Some great barnstorming runs. Looked a real big lad even when compared against the backrowers on show.

He's gone to learn the game (and Sale sale some money) He was an outstanding prospect 6ft 2" and over 15 stone at the age of seventeen, and very quick.

Sale made him an offer he couldn't refuse (or Wigan match). If you think of Tom Armstrongs predicament at Saints, furthering his education, then think about how Thornleys education has been funded, you will probably realise why he did make the change.

Would he have ever made it as a Superleague player, I don't know but it would have been nice to find out.

Pray tell, what does it say?

It says we don't care about Wigan or there woes but boring old Rogues just can't get that into his head.

That would be my translation of it too.