Agreed. He's certainly been the best British halfback for a number of years, but he's not up there with the likes of Johns/Thurston etc.

I'm not so sure - Johns is obviously the main contender but I think Long gives Thurston a good run for his money. Thurston is surrounded by class acts on the field which always makes the job easier whereas I reckon Johns could do it with a much weaker team supporting him. Long was pursued by NRL teams which says a lot for an English half-back.

I see your point, but I'm not convinced. On the occasions Long played at international level, he just wasn't up to it. A truly world class halfback would still look the part in an average team. Take Alan Langer at Warrington as an example.

He's also played at the same time as stacey Jones who I regard higher.

long has never been the best scrum half in the world. Why do people talk such crap?

True. Forgot about him. There's also Langer (who I mentioned in the post above). I'd say Kimmorley was probably a bit better in his prime, too.

Thurston is playing in a woeful Cowboys Team at the minute and still for me looks the premier 7 in the world each time I see him play.

I definately take your point though about the teams play in. If Long had played in the NRL he may well have proven himself as the worlds best ag some stage, it's all opinions I suppose. I just feel there's always been that one player ahead of him.

I agree

Whats the latest on union convert prop Pearce? If he's good enough he should fit the bill after 12 months learning the game under his belt?

There was a game, early season, in the NRL. Cowboys were down by 20 points with about 20 minutes remaining. Thurston must of just decided to turn it on, because that last 20 minutes was the best spell by a 7 i've seen in years. Single handedly dragged an, as you say, woeful Cowboys team over the winning line.

Hmm, neither in Kingy's class though.

Been taliking about Bowden for the last 2 seasons, made great progress considering he only started playing league at about 14. I think he will make a great SL prop and expect him to go FT in the near future.

What's your thoughts on Chris Green. have heard some good things about him?

He's only had about 5/6 months tbf. I'v seen him play a couple of times and he does look a hand full. We'll have to see how he progresses, he's only 20 remember.

Im sorry but that is one of the most ridiculous statements Ive ever read on these boards, even in his prime he wasnt in the same class of the likes of Johns, Jones and Kimmorley, dont forget aswell that throughout his career it has been questioned that scrum half was even his best position, he was more of a nippy player rather then a playmaker, although he did adapt after his injury when he lost a bit of his speed off the mark.

Although the biggest problem with that statement is last seasons form, I know he had injuries and played very well against Saints and Cas away, but in some games he was very poor especialy in some the big games, The one that springs to my mind was Hudds away, his kicking game was especially poor and cost us the game in my opinion, Id easily take Dobson or Brough over him in a heartbeart, and although they can be hit and miss id say Chase and Sammutt had better seasons too.