Overseas players add immensely to the standard of the competition and the general excitement as the NRL is a constant source of new signings. Whilst the standard of imports has fallen in recent years, imagine how utterly dire SL would be if we only had British players. The fact is as a sport we've always been a parasite in terms of player development - look at any of the big clubs and see just how many of the game's legends are Aussies, Kiwis or RU players (particularly Welsh).

Now we haven't got RU to raid for talent its vital we still get decent Aussies/Kiwis. I'd say a few clubs have decided that they need to up the quality, and I'm hopeful that the likes of Austin will light up the whole sport.

Blake Austin, Trent Merrin, Konrad Hurrell, and Kevin Naiqama will light up the sport.

Absolute rubbish - ever crossed your mind that British stars would emerge given even a tenth the chance that some of these third rare Aussies get! No thought not and that’s why we will never beat the Aussies.

It wouldn’t be quite so bad if the lower divisions wernt also full of even worse rejects. So a young British player can’t even get a break there. Ironically most would be better off going to Oz and play bush footy.

What a loser mentality this country has. Oh and I like Miller at Wakefield but do I think he couldn’t be replaced? Of course he could and he’s far and away one of the better imports.

What utter tripe. He is 28 a fresh environment will do him the world of good. He will be a massive player for them this year. You do like a good wind up even when very little saints fans post here anymore

player salaries in the NRL are showing signs of spiralling out of control. however unlike over here the next TV contracts are likely to see a decent increase, giving the clubs more or less guaranteed spending power. That said, some clubs are feeling the pinch as they chase a decent league finish.

as a slight aside, are the leagues clubs still bringing in a lot of gambling money in Aus as they used to? (think there may have been some changes to gambling laws but not sure)

*cough* Jackson Hastings *cough*

Not sure how much of a star Hastings was in the NRL, though he has certainly become a star over here.

Lachlan Coote was not playing in the NRL for most of last season. He was in second division Intrust Super Cup. His form has taken a nosedive even though he is only 28.

That is my opinion of him, based on facts.

As for me trying to "wind up" Saints fans, you ignore the fact that I have written earlier in this thread that Saints other Australian recruit Kevin Naiqama will light up Super League.