Yeah dumb comparison.
Hopgood is still in development. Why would Smugs do us a favour in helping his development? Especially if they could alternatively develop another player instead that they do have signed for next season.
Whereas most of the others were/are established in the team and will more likely benefit Smugs by playing this year. Similar to us with Mahoney (kinda), Papali’i and Marata.
And if Salmon is leaving, they’re kinda forced to play him at the moment
He played NRL last season. He wasn't signed for us till mid season. He still didn't grab a bench spot this season.
Yes he may be the next star. But their bench is fairly weak. If he was ready and a stand out he makes the side. It could be more he has just stepped up of late and by time did we snached him.
But he may just be a solid NRL player. If I was making a guess that's where I'd lean. Someone better then Ray Stone and Kafusi but probably not expecting him to be as good as Matterson or Lane for example.
Unless he did reach their level which is possible for sure, but if not then he won't make a huge difference to our side.
I am just making guesses. I've not seen him play. And yes Ivan may of gone stuff him as they offered him a contract much before we did and he wanted to test the water. That's what I hopes happened.