Yes, for the good of the game.

We must stop this crop of 2nd rate convicts at centre/wing/half back stopping our lads getting a game at an age when it matters

^^ this.

We can't really afford this as a sport at the moment.

Whichever club the player plays at they should ahve a top up payment for the 30 highest rated players, maybe a performance team could assess this. Problem being when one wants it they'll all want it.
I've no doubt that eastmond would be staying if he had another few grand tapped on.

Maybe the top ten players under 24 regardless of where they played could have a central contract, assessed every year

What would this achieve other than a lot of hassle, a less even playing field, and making us look desperate as a sport? All the players that have already gone to Union and all the players that ever will go are instantly replaceable.

You are kidding right?
They're only interested in our best, yes they might leave plenty behind but we'll never compete with aus if our best crop get cherry picked

I must have missed all these outstanding players that have left and damaged the national team then, or left big holes in their sides that haven't instantly been filled with no detriment whatsoever.

I'd rather see us spending the extra money getting our academy set up sorted out so we have plenty coming through when someone leaves. The fact our national team looks so weak has nothing to do with RU!

I hate to break it to you lot but you are not producing any players even worth looking at.


Who do you centrally contract? Wellens? Long?


Hell last time you tried it you gave millions to an over weight hooker who promptly told the RFL to shove it up their ar$e any time a test match rolled around and he might have to face decent quality opposition!

Best as in Chris Ashton (anyone remember him), Chev Walker, Karl Pryce?

Smith's a decent prospect and Eastmonds our best looking half back for a while, he's gone pretty much.
2 in a year who would have played for Eng over the coming few years, only 2 but watch them count up

If Eastmond goes it'll be a bit disappointing. Smith is decent but emminently replaceable.

The problem isn't the cap, the problem is money. Union has more because of its cash cow international matches.

In the short-term there isn't much that can be done about it.

hmm but would these players be tempted by even a little top up from the RFL?