The policy of writing into contracts that players can move to the NRL, although well intentioned, needs reviewing.

Bateman would be a massive success in the NRL, He makes up for his lack of actual size with how hard he works. He will be an absolute superstar over there and if he does go I wish him all the luck in the world, never gave anything less than 100% for us

Whitehead has taken on and done well in the NRL, Bateman hasnt played in the second row in the comp , hes been the 2nd best centre for England for me.

Centre is now our worst position from an England point of view. Watkins goes hot and cold in Superleague but has never lit up an international. Percival is very good at SL level but is overlooked for a 2nd rower at international level.
My point about Bateman is that in my opinion, there isn’t a better English 2nd row than him in the squad (discounting Burgess) and if he were to be picked there, he’d go very well. Whitehead has indeed been successful in the NRL but like Watkins hasn’t shone in an England shirt so far.

jon is right, Whitehead and Hodgson are terrific for Canberra, so to say that they are are ordinary at international level is a bit unfair. It clearly comes down to the difference in coaching and tactics.

If England were half as good a watch as the Raiders...

Apart from wing, with only two selected and one at risk of suspension.