Union about to come knocking at the door

Quote: Mugwump "Who said anything about the "End of RL"? However, it wouldn't take a lot of departures to seriously damage the sport. Aside from the loss of talent League's already shaky position within the media would be jeopardized. Unfortunately perception is often reality and the perception that League is losing its best talent to Union would make sponsors think very seriously about investing in the sport. Unlike the RFU which is awash with money League cannot afford to be losing investors given the current economic malaise.

Which of the above players are likely to move? I've no idea. But you can bet that Union will be sniffing around ANY youngster who looks like he's got the ability to make a name for himself. Obviously the emphasis will be on backs as they are more likely to make the transition. I don't agree that many will likely fail in the sport. If you look at the big names who have joined the exodus the success rate is far higher than people think. Yes, Hape, Vainikolo, Henry Paul and Farrell didn't become Union superstars. But to say they failed is complete nonsense. All of them made the England team at some point and their demise was as much to do with the paucity of talent surrounding them as their own performances.

Union has learned quickly. They made the mistake of recruiting players past their prime and have now switched their attention to younger players. And they will point to the success of Chris Ashton as proof that their plan is working. In any case, Union can easily afford a few failures. Money is no issue.'"

From another thread.

Quote: Mugwump "Nothing. He's one player. You're making out like every rugby league player has just packed up and said 'no not playing anymore. I want to play RU because i'll get criticised and written about in the press more and i can play in front of 70k at twickenham instead of old trafford'

If union want to pay silly money for a middle of the road second rower that's their choice.

Since 2004 off the top of my head high profile defects i can think of

Farrell
Vainikolo
Hape
Walker
Smith
Ashton
eastmond

Farrell vainikolo and hape gave their best to league and were no great loss. The only loss was in Union's bank balances.

Walker and smith went then came back pretty quick. I wonder why? how could they turn down all that money media and fame? Rugby uinion is after all the promised land

That would be my translation of it too.