When we beat Australia 10-33 in Melbourne how many of those players plied their trade in the NRL ?

I totally agree.


I totally agree on that point too. I was dismayed when I heard that. Have we even insisted on an English video ref observer? My guess is not, even though international rules say that we can. The RFL is very weak. Pathetic, actually.

That's right. They should stay here.

Isn't the ref we sent over Silverwood?

I think I'd rather have Archer.

Graham is already the natural leader and talker on the field, who has the opportunity to become Saints captain for the next 10 years. Will he stay? Who knows, many people thought KC was going to leave at times during his career. If Graham isn't the new captain, who will be? Wellens seems the most obvious choice, but is hardly a long term option. Roby is a great player, but doesn't appear to be a leader. None of the young players are ready yet to step up. Other senior players, Pryce, Wilkin? Not for me. Graham is the clear choice, overlooking him as captain may simply reinforce his view that his future lies elsewhere.

One off wins in lost series, in amongst some massive beatings. That's what UK based players give us, at best.

There is no question at all that players are better coached in Australia and are more used to playing in high intensity games. The evidence is boundless.

You only have to look at 2010 to see what an NRL assistant coach can do to experienced SL coaches.

You genuinely think our competition is better than the NRL?

Actually, I don't know why I'm surprised.

I think you have no sense of humour.

Nah, I often find your posts hilarious.

www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sp ... 5944898028 I dont think he'll go. If he does, all the best Jammer.

www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sp ... 5944898028 I dont think he'll go. If he does, all the best Jammer.

You could liken us to Man Utd right now and Graham is our version of Wayne Rooney. Graham is our best player and has experienced success at the club similar to Rooney at United, but all of a sudden we're going through a slight transitional stage with a younger squad and we've lost some of our key players (Cunningham, Sculthorpe and Long) just like United have (Tevez and Ronaldo). There's plenty of talent in our young squad similar to United, but will we go to the next level and match Graham's ambitions of being the absolute best, just like Rooney has asked for at United? We've curbed our spending slightly just like United due to their debts and our new stadium, but will we be competitive in future? Now I hope, like Rooney, that Graham signs a long term deal at Saints and feels like this is home.

For me, Graham is really difficult to replace. Not only is he a quality player, but he's passionate about this club and that's something that an overseas player or a player from another club cant replicate. He's OUR product and we HAVE to do everything in our power to keep him. Balls to the NRL, I don't care about that, and I don't think Graham going there will suddenly make him a much superior player or improve England's chances against the Aussies and Kiwis. Graham is outstanding whether he's here or in the NRL and he could become a legend at this club should he sign a new deal here. I'd be devastated if he left.

That's spite, not a sense of humour.

That series was very , very close. A foot in touch by Offiah in the first test meant a narrow defeat and the last one at Lang Park was a close affair. I'm confident we will be soundly beaten this weekend.I actually belive for all the hype we are still poles apart. Anyway that a bit off the point.

I think you are missing my point slightly. I'm not denying for a second that the NRL is stronger as a comp- only a buffoon would argue otherwise. I dont see it as ever being any different. Australians are better at most sports. But sending some of our better players to play in the NRL surely lowers the intensity of our league ? On that basis the bulk of the very same England squad would be playing at a lower level and by its very nature negate any advantage of the few playing over there.

On a seperate point I pay my money week in week out to watch Super League and frankly I would rather the competition be as good as it can be. Lets only sign Australian players at the top of their game not at the end of the career for a payday and increase the intensity here.

Would you rather kieron Cunningham have gone to the NRL rather than being a loyal one club man who we have enjoyed watching for over a decade ? I can honestly say Im glad he didnt.

Totally agree with this.