I don't think it was but you never know

There are clearly bigger losses that could’ve (and still could over the next few seasons) happened. One thing I would say is that losing his pace is an issue for Saints. It’s not the quickest backline anyway and both in attack and in scrambling back in defence, the lad is worth his weight. It probably wouldn’t have made a difference as they’d have been on opposite sides but put him in a chase like Makinson had on with Marshall in the cup semi and he likely wins you a game. Any rumours on who replaces him? Somebody internal or an external signing? I can’t imagine there’s much left in the cap after the run of contract extensions/upgrades.

The thing is he has won 2 LLS (could be 3 by the end of the season) a challenge cup and 3 Grand Finals (again, could be 4 by the time he leaves) there’s not much for him to still do in league, really…..!

Bearing in mind he came to League from Union, it was always a fair bet he would return at some point.

And I'd reply the same way I did on hearing this when Jason Robinson and Andy Farrell left, both of those two having won a lot more than Grace ... namely, that neither they nor Grace have come close to winning the RL World Cup or even a Test series. And those are the real measures of achievement in 13-a-side. So, let's not pretend there's never anything left for them to do.

But I also go back to what I said earlier. I don't blame the player, or question his motivation. I blame the RFL and question its apparent inability or unwillingness to fight to keep its brightest stars.

To be fair to Grace , I can’t see Wales winning a RL World Cup anytime soon so he probably crossed that off his reasons to stay list.

I'd also argue that if the Lions ever came back, even for a one-off tour, he'd be lucky to get anywhere near the first team. So yes, it's unlikely.

But as I say, it's not him I have an issue with.

So we can expect him to be missing on Saturday? I don’t think so. Do I think he is a top player? No. But he is a good player and his speed certainly worries defences. Good luck to him, Saints will find a replacement.

Maybe back in Farrell's day, but IRL is a joke these days as your thread on the Aussies alludes to.

could say the same for Welsby - won all domestic game honours, he should have a crack at the NRL, earn bags of money, take his game to the next level, and give the England squad a better chance to win the World Cup.

We haven't really had a back go out there and rip it up....

Whilst I respect your point it’s largely irrelevant, comparing different situations.

Neither Farrell or Robinson came to League from Union originally, and as alluded to already he’s a very proud welsh lad and Wales RL are never getting to win a World Cup (or likely even play any test series with the elite)

His trajectory will be similar to Farrell and Robinson though (albeit he may not hit the same heights) in that he will have increased his earning potential and increased exposure if he does make it into the WRI squad.