Quote: Shoe Shine Johnny "Calm down. I am saying that around 15-18 Catalans players were used in the World Cup squad last year and played to the QF.'"
It's truly incredible what the French achieved at the World Cup last year. Quarter Finalists on the back of scoring 21 points in 4 games. They were awful.
Quote: Shoe Shine Johnny "Catalans then started 2014 with five straight defeats. Relegation is now in place and Catalans' board have probably said enough is enough we want our best players fresh for next year - hence why Bosc, Escare, Duport, Mounis, Elima, Casty etc. have been withdrawn.'"
Sundry Australian and Kiwi players have withdrawn from the 4N tournament. Last time I checked, the NRL was still a franchise fairies structural wet dream. Still, if it suits your agenda to blame the Catalonian withdrawal of half a dozen players from the French squad due to an impending SL Jeopardy Virus, feel free giving it your best shot.
Quote: Shoe Shine Johnny "I am quite looking forward to see how the new competition format goes next year but it is what it is. Nearly all the top level French players are contracted to Catalans and they will look after themselves.'"
That goes without saying and would happen in any event. It's a cultural thing in RL. Club before country. Always has been. That's what needs to change.
Quote: Shoe Shine Johnny "To say French RL hasn't improved is also unfair. Kevin Laroyer, Theo Fages, Jamil Fakir, Michael Simon are just some of the players who will be at English clubs next year. A massive increase on that is what will make the difference. France now has around 20-30 full-time RL players. This was an increase on just 1 full-time player in 2006. This number needs to be at 70-80 to give them any kind of a chance.'"
Any alleged French improvement as a consequence of being exposed to SL playing standards is clearly not being translated into any improvement at international level. The evidence suggests the opposite.
Quote: Shoe Shine Johnny "Toulouse is one option'"
Would that be via P&R or the franchising route? Let me guess
![]()
