Quote: markrammond "The exchange rate suggests that the NRL will be a very expensive pool for anyone to go fishing in which cuts down the options of all in Super League.
The Super League competition is one in which established talent is likely to be overpriced if they come to London meaning you are likely to end up with declining veterans or non-established players at a larger price than they are worth.
The second tier English competition has some handy players, especially when people have exploited the Kolpak ruling to sign international Papua New Guineans like Menzie Yere, Jessie Joe Parker and Rodney Pora and some of the younger players cannot be discounted.
But where I think will prove most fruitful is the fringe players in the NRL and lower tier leagues and that is why I am very pleased Tony is in place. He has a proven track record of discovery in these leagues.'"
Yep, getting aussies is now expensive.
Do bear in mind though Mark, that you are unlikely to sign people sign from the lower grades here in Oz. The eligibility rules are such that you need to have played a certain amount of NRL games in 2 seasons to be granted a visa. If someone could check that out as the rules obviously chop and change with regards to the immigration dept and sports visas. But that is my understanding the last time I was told, a couple of years ago. But, and so you know, Tony is indeed looking over here as usual.
Quote: markrammond "I'm not sure how many players in Oz will be interested in coming to any SL club next season. There was an article in the 'Independent' today about how a large part of London's antipodean community are now going home because of the c**p exchange rate between the pound and Oz dollar. Has RB any thoughts on this?'"
Simply that the UK is not a source of great income for australians to save and take money home when they leave. Nor is it a retirement nest egg for some.