Is it just me, or is the quality of players joining SL from abroad much higher this year? Players that are at, or before their peak, players with plenty NRL experience, and players that could still get a gig in the NRL.

And what's the reason for this? I thought that these days were over once the NRL got their new TV deal and increased cap.

Uate
Linnett
Lolohea
Hurrell
Merrin
Niaquama
Coote
Paulo
Austin

Money talks

Not the way to go though.

Wigan won the Grand Final with ZERO Australians in the team but packed with young players who had came through the system.

Yeah they may not be as talent, but their passion for the club is what got them the win.

Just one example. Look at how bulls dominated with a team of Kiwis in the 2000s.

Personally I'm happy for imports to come and improve the standard. There's nothing to say that this means we automatically stop developing our own talent. If teams dont want to run academy/reserves and invest in their youth then thats a separate issue.

Whilst they have a much bigger cap over there it still sounds like several clubs get into trouble keeping under it and have to let some players go who they would’ve preferred to keep to retain certain others.

It's great we are getting some prime quality players coming this way again, far too many journeymen and projects in recent times which has dragged the quality of the league down at the top level.

They won 3 trophies during the “2000’,s” with 3 NZ players. Totally dominated by NZ players eh? Edit Durham Giant cut out the wind ups ediedit

When we beat them in 04 they had big Les, Shontayne Hape, Logan Swann, Joe Vagana and Robbie Paul in the 17

They also won a fair few more than 3 trophies.

Hape, paul brothers, Vagana, swann, vainakolo, vaikona(tongan but close enough) so yes more than 3 had a big influence on the bulls early 2000's

Lachlan Coote is well past his prime.

But it don't sing and dance and it don't walk?

Yeah but let's not let facts get in the way ey?

Do some research before having a dig eh pal? I have no agenda Im just talking facts.

Anyway, my point being, good imports can have a big impact on a teams success. Bulls were just an example.

Dan Sarginson?