different tackling styles eh?


thats why so many defensive coaches in union are from RL.

keep this up, its really amusing

Well done Gareth!

You need to get your facts right here.

For starters ALfie hasnt been part of a welsh backline since 2006/7.
So he is not a current STAR of the welsh backline.
If Alfie had converted 7/8 years ago your could compare. from what i see all your arguments are never on a like for like basis.(ie another one you put on here not long ago about the viewing figures of SL against Guiness Premiership... did you not consider that most Union people would watch SL as well or flick back an forth during HT and at end of Magners League games on a friday like me.? but then a lot of people like yourself wouldnt watch Union.? also SL is a european competition, ie for like for like comparison you would have to factor in the viewing figures in Wales, Ireland and Scotland for the magner leagues games being played at the same time as Guiness Premieship.

IF and its s big IF as it would never happen... that Shane Williams, Jamie Roberts, Mike Phillips, James Hook or Lee Byrne converted now in there prime then you would have a fair argument. And i beleive any of the above would make superb RL players... but im afraid you will never know.

I cant see how you think Alfie is struggling if he was surely a coach like Noble/ Harris woldnt pick him.

I agree with you that RL is faster, and more impact than union but no way is it harder. RL fitness is CV where Union is a mix of CV and strength for rucks and mauls, in all honesty Union is probably a harder fitness. Rucking, mauling, carrying, tackling, clearing out and counter rucking at close quarters is strength zapping and does take a lot out of you.

Also why is every one moaning if hes that rubbish.?

Why dont you worry about your own teams.

And maybe send an email to your teams coach on how to take advantage of Alfie ..!!

Get a grip... if no one was worried you wouldnt even be talking about him.

Why aint anyone talking about Youngquest hes been awful.!

He was garbage... might be ok for an english backline but..

nowhere near good enough for wales, france, oz, NZ or SAs.!

BIG ACHEIVEMENT FOR RL...LOL

never knew it was a competition.... Not bad for a 36 who is past his prime.. i would say WIN, WIN situation for union myself.

Hype from the Union media?

Chev Walker - didn't make the grade
Lee Smith - didn't make the grade
Andy Farrell - couldn't decide which position to play him as he wasn't big enough to play 6/7 or quick enough to play 12/13.
Lesley Vainikolo - decent club player, not got the positional awareness or all round game to play at a higher level
Henry Paul - see Lesley Vainikolo

Basically the only League player who made a success of Union over here since the game went openly pro is Jason Robinson.

welsh union international becomes an average RL player.

im surprised he even made that

shame he cant tackle yet

wow, id forgotten half those names

funny seeing the english union side relying on kiwi RL players

farrell as well, straight from prop in RL to the centres in union

and jason robinson well ...

its no surprise seeing players going from RL to playing international union so quickly

the reverse will never happen

the same welsh backline that thomas played for

the same thomas struggling with the pace of SL.

4 out of those six played for England, one of them didnt give union a chance - hardly a comprehensive list of failures

In terms of Gareth Thomas, he clearly appreciates the skills and excitement of Rugby League, dont expect too much hype about rlthis interviewrl (not now he fixtures for the six nations are out)