I know I know, Roosters fan...would consider the Knights my second team though
I look at Newcastle's situation and this year alone they've been in the hunt for Matt Scott only to lose out to the Cowboys and now Jack Bird has decided to go to the Broncos. I do think something needs to be put in place to stop clubs like Brisbane, Roosters, Rabbitohs, Melbourne and the other big clubs grabbing all the representative players whilst clubs like Newcastle, Tigers and Canberra have 2-3 in their line ups if that.
When Brisbane play Newcastle this year Brisbane will line up with their 8 internationals, 6 Origin players, the future of the NRL (Milford) and perhaps NZ's greatest player in the past 10-15 years whilst Newcastle try to win the game with 1 Origin player (Who only has played four games) and a spine featuring 3/4 players who haven't played a hundred games between them.
Seems unfair, if I were Newcastle I'd do what Ricky Stuart has done and send some scouts to England and try and grab their top players whilst taking any solid first graders who are willing to sign with them. Buhrer and Kostjaysn are good signings, a couple more of those in key positions (Fullback, Prop) and maybe some superstars from England and you guys will be competitive again.
