Really bad news.



We had the chance in the early days of SL to reform the game's structures and grow its revenue base to help keep players like Joel in the game (or at least keep them for longer) but vested interests and anti-Wigan hysteria stopped that.

I think it's probably too late now to do anything to save RL as even a respectable minor sport in professional terms. Further marginalisation of our game seems inevitable as it declines to a semi-pro future (at best).



Good luck to Joel. I have no time for RU but at least he will be able to earn the kind of living that a talented athlete should be able to, in a sport which does not begrudge people doing well.

The club need to make sure this is sorted out very quickly, while at the same time making sure they get the right compensation from Quins/Saracens so that it can be used for transfer fees for a quality replacement.

It is indeed and is something that needs to be addressed by the RFL, although some clubs (and fans) I would imagine won't be bothered as it weakens one of the stronger teams.

Have you seen the rumours about Gareth Thomas? The rumour there is the RFL want a high profile club to sign him and in return as the RFL will pay his wages and those wages will not count on the clubs salary cap. Wigan are of course the high profile club linked with signing Thomas on this deal.

If the RFL can pay the salary of Thomas a 37 year old RU has been who has never done a thing in league while watching young RL players lost to the game even when they have 5 year contracts then we really are a sport run by a complete bunch of morons.

If they go to RU, I for one won`t blame them and I will wish them all the luck in the world.

IMO a large proportion of the blame lies with the inadequacies of the salary cap. There is a significant imbalance between RL and RU and even also between RL and NRL.

And if Sam and Joel do move, one thing can be guaranteed - they will not be booed and criticised by their new club`s supporters in either RU or NRL and neither will they be booed at RU International level where they will be playing on a larger international stage and will be treated and paid as superstars.

Other RL clubs, particularly Saints with their talented youngsters, will also have to be on their guard too.

This

I could see Tony Clubb being a target, possibly Tom Briscoe.

Not sure who else comes to mind.

No argument there!

What's worth bearing in mind is that Joel has now won everything he can in Rugby League. Rep Rugby League is practically non-existent, and England aren't going to win anything anyway.

We have to face it, Rugby League is in the shadow of Union. As to how we address that, I don't know. But something needs to change.

Completely disillusioned with Rugby League.
I love my club but if whenever we produce such talent, they swan off to RU, what's the bloody point?

I wouldn't blame Joel
BUT for his 'I want to play at Wigan with my Mates & not go to RU anytime soon' crap only in MARCH.

Seriously disappointed in him. I don't blame him for taking the money & lifestyle. I'd do the same - honesty - but i don't like being lied to.


Rugby League - the peasant sport. Pathetic

Bad news for RL if true. As much as I dislike JT, he's got bags of potential in RL. With his frame, power and pace he could easily be the next Keith Senior (in a good way). Still, Sam would be a greater loss.

Given that he's won everything he's likely to win in RL at such a young age, and that mentor Maguire is imminently departing, I suppose it is understandable that he may want a new challenge or time in a sport with bigger media coverage. Hope it doesn't happen though.

I don't think the salary cap is to blame, although I do think it needs to be raised somewhat. Ultimately RU offers things that RL cannot - whatever sums players are paid.

Why do you dislike JT? -.-

I agree with the rest of your post though.

The RFL need to wake up and smell the coffee - the salary cap, the pathetic way internationals are treated (by fans and the RFL) are all partly to blame. If he was going to the NRL then I wouldn't mind as much, but to switch codes? Hardly a surprise though - don't the Tomkins bros have the same agent as Ashton?