The UK doesnt produce quality halfbacks.

Quality halfs are becoming an increasingley rare commodity in the NRL as well it seems.

Maybe. But if memory serves, neither Dureau nor Dobson could get a first team spot in the NRL and yet over here they have done very well. I suppose a similar example but in the other direction might be Gareth Widdop who was playing for Halifax over here (don't remember any Superleague clubs showing interest?) but what a mark he has made in the NRL with the Storm.

Walsh, if the rumour is true, could indeed turn out to be an average half with a great kicking game or the change in scenery may be exactly what he needs to bring him out of himself and fulfill the potential his present coach says he has.

Missed my point spectacularly, and in doing so has proved it.

Those two were average in the NRL, as is Walsh.

It is often the new coach who brings out the improvement in the player. Think Trent Robinson, who has this year brought Michael Jennings back to form and improved his defence, and who has this year got James Maloney back to form and improved his defence as well, at the Sydney Roosters. No doubt "Robbo" was a factor in the emergence of Scott Dureau at Les Catalans Dragons.

But not having to play second fiddle to an established first team player can also bring out a talent in a reserve grade player that has previously not been noticed.

Did Gareth Widdop actually play in this country. I thought he was born in Halifax but moved to Aus as a kid. I may be wrong though

He was 16 when he moved to oz so had only played jnr RL.

Hohaia's not and never has been a half back.