I'd agree with that. He says its the lifestyle but its probably the money as well (I doubt he will be on peanuts).

I can't help thinking it is in any players interest to be a bit older and a bit more experienced before considering the move anyway. At his age another three years here then with the extra experience not to say maturity as a person he could probably name his price and have had the satisfaction of hopefully winning a challenge cup or gf with Wigan as well as being probably better equipped for the move.

I think it is pretty serious for the sport never mind Wigan if it isn't attractive enough to keep hold of such a young player in the most famous team in the sport who has not won a thing. Who is next?

You're right. But with no sentiment you might go far but one day you'll look back and realise you didn't pick up many friends along the way.

He's done the wrong thing. Australia would still have been there in 3 years.

I've said it before. Rugby league cannot compete with nrl and ru and all this sham about a new era is just a rebranding exercise to mask the fact that the sport cannot keep hold of it's marquee players

If it was a rebranding exercise that would imply those doing it know there is a problem and so as you say are deliberately trying to mask it. I don't think they are that clever.

As far as I can see they have their head in the sand and they genuinely think their "whole game" approach with the Sky money spread across 26 clubs to varying degrees is a good thing and if anyone mentions the NRL or RU it's hands on ears and "I am not listening" time.

Despite the fact the TV rights were not put to tender (stupid mistake) with the money they did get had they accepted the inevitable which is it was enough to fund a full time league of 12 teams it would have literally doubled the clubs salary caps. Still less than the NRL but it would still have been enough to be able to offer the best players enough in wages to make it expensive for NRL sides to take them and then fit them under [itheir[/i salary cap given they obviously pay pretty close it it already with their existing players.

So the sad thing is it was possible to address the competition at least to a degree but they have deliberately chosen to leave the sport open to what is turning out to be a player drain. What was it, 7 of England's first team were Oz based in the Internationals? Can only see that number increasing and then I am not sure what the attraction of watching England will be and the standard of the domestic game????.

I'd go as well if I was him. Can't blame him at all. If he hadn't signed a deal with them already, then got an injury and lost his place to Manfredi in the season coming, the chance to play in the NRL could be a long time coming. Hope he rips it up.

Wish the lad well and hope to see him in an England shirt lifting the world cup

Controversial but an England coach who only picks players based in the UK might be an idea. Aussies won't come here regardless of money if their rep career is jeopardized. I think there were 7 ex-pat England players in the first 17 last time out. If it gets to 13 I think it would be a farce (and it could..).

Years ago I cheered on the likes of G Schofield, Lee Crooks and J Davies playing for GB. Not from my team but I knew who they were and what they could do. I am not sure I could be as enthusiastic about a team of ex-pats representing England or GB.

Three years is a very long time in a RL career.

Rather this than the ru and as much as it pains, he's showing ambition and will be playing in the world's best competition.

Nobody says players should spend another three years with lower league clubs out of gratitude when SL comes knocking....

For me personally Dom should now be the starting 1st team winger rather than Joe. If Joe is not going to be here in 2016 I don't see the point in having Dom playing second fiddle to him in 2015 when he can be getting the 1st team experience.

My first thought was freeze him out, maybe send him to Workington, and see if Manfredi fits the bill. But if he doesn't fit in over there I'm sure there are some awkward rivals who would love to have him on his return and Wigan will want to keep him sweet. Probably immaterial as I reckon he will thrive in Aus.

I'm sure this decision, which has hardly been a secret, will hopefully give others more of a chance to secure a spot. While you should always play your strongest team, if the lads going others should get more game time. And I'm sure that will already have been factored in.

Lets not lose sight of the real culprit in this, the lack of money in Super League. You can easily blame your favourite target, the club, IL, the player, agents, the FRL.... But it all comes down to the fact that there is not as much money in this game, compared to the alternatives.

This was my stance at one time but the return of Joel and Mossop proves the worth of keeping relations sweet between the player, his agent nd the club. Sad to see him go but I'd rather hold out hope for his return and play him on merit just as if he was staying.