Although alot has been said about ourselves linking up with NRL clubs so that young players can gain experience, nothing has really come from it.

I can't help but think that sending certain players to Australia would not only improve the players themselves, but also keep their minds away from any outside influences both Rugby related (ie Union approaches) and anything negative related off the field.

There are so many ranks now at Wigan that by the time a players in his second or third season in the U18's/U20's without first team opportunities, life as a up and coming player can become stale, fustrating and the future clouded.

Maybe this is an idea to fend off any future Union approaches?

At the last fans forum didn't lenegan say a deal was close?

This NRL linkup NEEDS TO happen in my opinion. Think of the improvement someone live Logan Tomkins, for example, would have if he went to Melbourne 20's.

I'm wondering if this would have happened before now had it not been for the Melbourne 'incident'.

Could this not turn some kids heads to stay down under if they make a go of it there?

Would it be a risk for Wigan to send kids who are not tied up on long term deals?

Well it would also mean that our international setup would be better in the long run. Even if a few kids did stay down there after being there for a bit, this would only help us bridge the gap between us and the Aussies...

I think it may still happen next year and assist melbourne in getting under the cap

The linkup doesn't even have to be with an NRL team. There are plenty fantastic standard leagues in Sydney and Brisbane underneath the NRL.

I'm not sure as the idea is for players to experience the high standards of training for an NRL club and their players & coaches. Also, NRL clubs have feeder teams playing in reserve league competitions such as the Toyota cup.

This is why I assumed it had gone quiet.

Just what I was thinking.

I don't understand what the benefit is to the NRL clubs. It sounds like if this went ahead they would be loosing out; making England internationals better, making our players better therefore making Super League better.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see a link with wigan youth to Melbourne!

Surely if some of the better academy players are going over there, it raises the standard of their competition, whether that's Toyota Cup or NRL. Not only that, some of the players may be tempted to stay over there if possible. Also, with the way that the exchange rate is going, they might get decent players for cheaper(even if only for a year) than if the players had come from Australia.

Raises the profile of the NRL over here, how many more people will have looked out for the Rabbitohs just coz Burgess has gone over there?

Melbourne are the obvious club.
If they keep their big four then a lot of very good players will have to leave.
They will promote their Toyota Cup players to first grade and that is where they may struggle.
Some of our younger players could go there for a while to play TC which is a far higher standard than our U20s. Some may get a call up to first team.
Seems an obvious fit to us but it's easier to discuss it than implement it.