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.

I am of the opinion that the NRL is of a way higher standard than Super League, of course not all players are world class but the competition is tougher over there. Because of that fact it must be harder for a player to shine in the competition. If he manages it, for me, his ability is proven. But I am reluctant to have that opinion if they don't prove themselves among the best.

Maybe he is a World class player, as was Long, Wellens, Senior, Harris..... but there will be doubts on all these players and the trend will continue whilst our league is inferior.

Still - As someone pointed out, does it matter if he can or can't - as long as he is doing the job for you.

As tremendous a player he's already been in super league and hopefully will be for years at Wigan, i just have this feeling that we may not see the absolute best he's capable of if he doesn't go to the NRL. Doesn't anyone else feel that, at times, it seems all too easy for Sam?

No surprise he is or was a wire fan as both his parents are from Warrington ,prob born in MK as his dad was a Transport policeman and worked down there and yeah i reckon he will one day follow maguire to oz where imo he will shine

I'd agree with that and we have proof in our own ranks in George.

He was a journeyman by NRL standards but based on last year he was one of the two best centres in SL and is easily in the top 3 this season.

All that said and going back to the original point I'd be sad to see Sam go to the NRL but could we really deny him the chance to test himself against the world's best like Cam Smith etc?

only played for Newcastle

I know that, I meant he was a journeyman in the context that in the NRL he was a safe, steady and consistent player rather than world class like Inglis or Hodges

Along with O Loughlin, Graham, J. Tomkins, Peacock (if he'd have gone earlier in his career)

I also know a few Australian clubs were interested in Harrison Hansen at one point.

It depends what you mean by make it ?..

If by make it you mean being able to get into a 17 man squad regularly i think theres plenty in superleague that could "make it".

The likes of ...

Harrison Hansen
Joel Tomkins
Liam Farrell
Lee Mossop
Gareth Carvell
Ben Harrison
Paul Wood
Jon Wilkin
Ryan Hall
Jamie Langley
Andy Lynch
Tom Briscoe
Daryll Griffin
Eorl Crabtree
Dale Ferguson
Plus a few more...

They wouldnt exactly stand out but IMO all of them would hold there own without being a huge success ala Ellis/Burgess.

Then i think theres a select few who would impress and excel over there.

Sam Tomkins
Sean O'Loughlin
Ben Westwood
James Roby
James Graham

Dont forgot about some of the e overseas players that have come over here after playing a large amount of NRL games. The NRL is alot higher quality than Superleague because the worst players are alot better than the worst in Superleague. Therfore, its a much closer competition with much harder games throughout a year. That inturn helps the better players to compete at their peak more consistantly and prepares them for the international games. Thats how i see it anyway.

do you all really think sam tompkins could make it down under? imo the only super league player who would be a hit over there is richard whiting