What, completely? Way to kill the game! Some restriction on numbers, possibly, yes. But there can't be value in isolating ourselves (and optimistically claiming it's a world sport at the same time?).

And thats a failed argument too.

Imports arnt the reason we can't beat the Ozzies. It's their biggest game in their most populated areas. In the UK, or even just England RL is a minority sport and we need to accept that for now at least. If RL was the major sport in London, Manchester and Birmingham we'd regulary thrash them.

How?

Really? with 30 million extra potential players you dont think we'd have a few better players? plus the extra cash injected into the game from sponsorship etc?

Saint Simon is right. And really, is it just me who fails to suffer too much from the label of "never beating the Aussies".

Does football suffer agonies of insecurity cos we *never* beat the Germans/Brazilians/Spanish etc etc? Yes, of course I'd like to beat the Aussies more often. But, as noted above, the main reasons we don't are clear.

So if it goes through which club is going to bankrupt itself first bringing over a billy slater? My money would be on Wigan. Koukash might have a dig but Salford are going to burst the minute he walks anyway so they are on borrowed time. Pearson is tight so can't see hull going for anyone. Leeds are cash rich so no doubt will go after someone. Moran might splash some cash to get a big name to market. St's will feel the need to keep up with the jones's and could get themselves into financial strife if they try too hard. The other clubs can't afford anyone you'd think.

No way that it would be Wigan... Not under the current stewardship...

The fact the Aussies had to cheat to beat us in their backyard might suggest that the gap isn't as big as people love to make out.

The fact that we were told our best players were sub-NRL then our best players went over and smashed the NRL might suggest the gap isn't as big as people make out.

Who the hell are you? And what could you possibly want.

Immigrants taking our jobs, that's why we haven't won a World Cup.

That would include the French players: Theodore Fages, Kevin Larroyer, John Boudebza, Mickael Simon and William Barthau?

You're correct, but try getting me excited for an international series/tournament featuring the aussies. It ain't happening.

It's generally the Kiwis (and Samoans!) I look forward to seeing.

With the exception of the last WC Final, where unfortunately the Kiwis just didn't turn up, most recent league internationals have been thrilling affairs, from the WC semis to the Four Nations.

Looking forward to the upcoming Tests.

Marquee allowance or not, it might makeno difference if the NRL gets another big increase in TV money. I say just up the cap and leave it to the clubs how they spend it. www.afr.com/business/media-and-m ... 426-1mtdmk

Marquee allowance or not, it might makeno difference if the NRL gets another big increase in TV money. I say just up the cap and leave it to the clubs how they spend it. www.afr.com/business/media-and-m ... 426-1mtdmk