Would you not agree the make of a world class player would need to demonstrate their skill over the course of a full season? It's much easier to get yourself up for a WCC or the odd international against the best, than it is to play a full season - I think that would be the test.

As much as I agree regarding your thoughts on loyalty, i'd hate the thought of my teams top players leaving. I'm afraid thats the difference between a great player and a world class player. If a player succeeds in the NRL he will be remembered as a World class player. If he doesn't go, there will always be doubt over the players ability at the highest level.

I'd be quite satisfied if Tomkins stayed a Wigan player and proves he is a world class on the international stage for England. As a fan of Wigan I'd must rather watch the lad playing for us while others question whether Tomkins is world class because he isn't playing in the NRL than watch him playing for someone else. Who cares how someone is remembered when its over? I'd rather be an observer of his playing career in the present.

Hula sam was a wire fan when he was growing up all 3 played at chorley panthers then went to pats thats when they supported wigan

Theres a few at wigan who would do really well in the NRL both tomkins, mossop, o'loughlin to name a couple. I think lockers would really stand out if he played over in Aus

That's a fair point, I am of the same opinion. I pay my money to see good players play for my club and win things for my club.

I was merely pointing out what needs to be achieved, should any player wish to be remembered as a world class player.

Andy farrell and paul sculthorpe. Neither played in the nrl both will be remembered as world class.

Maybe you're right - I would have liked to have seen both handle the NRL to cement that statement.

Farrell and Sculthorpe were in a league of their own during their prime and were both better than O'Loughlin, who I feel would comfortably make it in the NRL. Nathan Brown echoes that sentiment. But saying that, we have never struggled to produce good forwards.

In fact, I'm trying to think of the last British back to make it Australia. Carney was the last one (and he's Irish, but must count) and Widdop doesn't count as he came through Melbournes system. You have to wonder whether it is a talent pool problem or a coaching problem. It is probably a bit of both, but I would definately say that the level of coaching makes a huge difference.

contracts these days are nothing more than negoationation points,
i think sammy would be great in the nrl, just hope he dont get tempted

Even as ' Leeds boo boy'

I would not agree with that, he is at least as good defensively as Billy Slater.

No not really. Like I said previously I think we are a bit too obsessed with the NRL. Is every player who plays in the NRL world class? No. We see plenty of NRL players come here who are good players but then they go home and still get games for an NRL side. They aren't [igreat[/i players. I suppose what I am trying to say is you don't need to be a world class player to get a game in the NRL, you have to be good but not world class. That being the case I don't think it proves anything playing there or is any kind of prerequisite for being classed as world class.

I think moving to Oz ought to be done if a player fancies the change of lifestyle and is using RL as way to sample life elsewhere. If I were young enough and good enough to play RL I'd definitely consider it as I like to travel but not everyone wants to do that.



Many players have long careers in the NRL but they are not considered world class players. Finch is not the best half back I have ever seen play for us. He's looking very good but he isn't what I'd call a world class player but he'd walk into an NRL side tomorrow if he left. What does that prove?

I'd also point out in the past even when we dominated the game it was rare for players to move permanently to Oz. When the seasons were out of sync players like Hanley and Schofield did off season stints but strangely enough they were controversial as people were often saying they ought to rest not play in Oz so there was no great clamour for them to go to "prove themselves". People watched the players and took it as a given certain players were world class. These days its as if we have no faith in our own judgement.

He'd easily play NRL, if he became available the majority of clubs would be interested.