Interesting comments from Matty Johns, Mark Geyer & co on Triple M radio out here this afternoon, stating that British RL is a better nurturing ground for young RL talent than Australia. Started from a discussion about Sam Burgess' MOM performance on Friday and James Graham's outstanding form and how both were allowed to develop their talent from a young age. They commented that out here, young players with real flair often have that coached out of them by professional clubs to make them more 'professional' and 'rounded' players.

As a real NRL advocate it got me thinking. The depth of talent out here is impressive, but they do seem to go for the athlete first and foremost and there are some phenomenal athletes. Sure there are quite a few real stars, but are the coaching methods diluting this and is the British game a better environment? Or are the likes of Sam and James just once in a generation players?

Fans over here have been saying the exact same thing about British RL as the Aussies you mention there are saying about the NRL. I'm not sure either is true though, and to be fair We don't exactly produce many James Graham's and Burgi so they may not be the best examples to use as a comparison.

I watch SG ball and most players are huge 17 year old islander kids, not surprising that skills and speed are not that prominent.

The 10 metre rule has a lot to answer for!

Even from your own 20, if you've got 5 or 6 big units you can make enough metres in five drives to reach a good kicking position and gain territory. It negates the need for really clever footballers in the mould of Steve Norton, Alex Murphy, Tony Myler, David Topliss, Mick Crane, Mick Adams, John Holmes, Bill Ashurst, Phil Lowe etc etc

In years gone by you had to unlock the opposition defence via clever play and slight of hand or you got pinned inside your own half and probably lost the game. I'm not saying we don't throw up the odd exception but they are exactly that, the 'exception' that proves the rule.

This is a load of rubbish. If we're so capable of nurturing talent from a young age where are our top class centres?

I don't buy it.

The burgi are medical marvels and graham is just one of those players that come along every once in a while no matter how good or bad the system is.

You can't tell me we are better at producing skillful players when you watch us play them at international level, there's just no way.

Michael Shenton?





....... Sorry, you got me I just couldn't keep a straight face.

The British game has allways produced world class stars just no way near the number or the frequency they do down under. The reason is shear numbers playing, the outdoor sporting way of life & it is the main sport in the two bigest states! no mystery lets just enjoy the few succsesses we have.

How?

Not with current development system and my club, my club only system allied to STILL buying overseas crocks and pension seekers at all costs.

Where have all the development officers gone and have the pro clubs, who allegedly ultimately benefit from these peoples involvement, taken up the slack?

Nah lets sign over hill players not wanted by the NRL clubs as past it like Minichello etc for silly money and long contracts.

Any one want to develop an open conference team in east Hull?

Anyone want workout why 2 clubs in the Cougar area cannot find a coach or even more importantly players for the combined team?

Answers on a any long term contract for a past it oceanic who brings nothing to the game but takes far more out that could be used for the betterment of the game in this country.

The 4 nations with the Aussie "B" team will prove where we are in the game.

Whilst not disagreeing with your sentiments , there are in fact 3 conference teams in East Hull , all in the top 2 divisions...not sure what your beef is there..??

It would appear that way, in that we produce and acclaim individual skills but IMO Rugby League Aussie style is the top of the evolutionary tree.

Size, speed and structure are everything, nothing else matters. It beats any gallant loser with individual brilliance any day.

Maybe there is a role, when two teams are equally matched for an Andy Gregory bit of magic but it will only happen as a one off.
Winning games consistently is the Aussie way and the right way.

It's just aussies trying to justify why there's so many good British players playing in their "Supercomp".

After all, the Brits are shıt at Rugby League. Remember?

Its no coincidence that almost all the genuine Brits are forwards though. I think a couple of backs could make a go of the NRL, but not a single halfback, supposedly the most 'skilful' position.

Bang on !
Britain has some excellent players in most positions but, we certainly struggle to produce top class half-backs.
We are so weak in this area, that lots of folk are clamouring for Sam Tomkins to move back in to the halves for the 4N.

I was watching some footage of Tony Myler the other day and was taken back at how skilful he was, i also had a huge opinion of Paul Sculthorpe as a lock forward.
The depressing thing for English RL is the number halfback for SL clubs in 2015, way too many average overseas players and clubs showing very little faith in developing from within. It will be interesting to see who Hull KR are trying to sign to replace Burns & Keating, I would suggest they try and sign Sam Powell or Ryan Hampshire or both from Wigan.
Players like Ryan Brierley deserve an opportunity as well.