I’m not too sure about that, two of the biggest signings in 2011 have been Luke Patten and Luke O'Donnell who signed for Salford and Huddersfield respectively (this is without consideration to Willie Mason at KR who, whatever you think of the signing, is the biggest star to join Super League since Andrew Johns joined Warrington for a few games)

Also, which big 4 are you actually referring to? The Wigan, Leeds, Saints and Bradford big 4 as they have been described over the years or do we now include Warrington in the big 4 (I’m not sure who maintains these rankings anyway!)

Or, as I suspect, you are perpetuating a myth that doesn’t exist any more... have you looked at the Super League table, the big 4 are currently standing at 3rd, 5th, 7th and 10th in the table?

big 4 in reputation and money which would be St's, Wigan, Warrington and Leeds.
TBF other clubs pay overs to sign "names" meaning less money to retain/sign decent British players hence why despite Patten et al Salford are still gash.

Out of interest which clubs are not spending up to full salary cap?

When did Warrington, who have never appeared in a Grand Final, overtake Bradford (who have appeared in 5) on reputation?

Your original point was that overseas stars only want to sign for the top clubs and so Super league is still not competitive enough and yet now one of the big 4 is a team that hasn’t won the competition and yet a team that has won it three times isn’t – surely that’s a self defeating argument?



I don't know

I would be suprised if any other clubs than the big 4 were spending the full salary cap. Hudds are matching them with on the field performances but they still dont have as many big name players.

If other clubs are spending upto the cap they need to improve their negotiating skills

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another round of "upset" wins

Absolutely belting season this is turning out to be

Wire, Saints and Giants all league leaders in the space of a few days... I have to say, I'm enjoying this season unfold more than any Super League I have seen

Wigan just creeping along nicely at the moment! Any team who can string 4 or 5 wins together will be there or there abouts this year.

I completely agree. This year we have seen some spectacular rugby and yet teams are playing with a lot of injuries which is giving the youngsters a chance and making it all a little bit more unpredictable. Some of the tries this season have been first rate and amongst the best I've seen over here. Recently we had the Jamie Foster handling for his try and also Manu's pass on Friday (I think it was him) which was superb. We have a product on the field that is as great as anything the Premiership can offer and that is a good sporting competition as well. Compare our skill levels to those on show in union. There is no contest.

On Monday Castleford played some of the best rugby at Saints that I have seen for a good couple of years considering where Castleford have been for past couple of seasons. Can I suggest that the franchising has helped as well because teams can plan a bit more for longevity and play without the shackles of potential automatic relegation as well.

WOOOOAHHHH DONT SAY THAT!!! someone quick.. lock the fella up..

No, no, no. The salary cap and franchising has dumbed the league down and it's a battle to see who is the least sh*t.

Just ask Wigan fans . . . . .