AP - In a twist NRL fans will enjoy, St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus is calling on English rugby league chiefs to prevent the trickle of top British talent to Australia turning into a flood.
McManus says the strong Australian dollar has added to the temptation for English stars to head Down Under and he has urged the Rugby Football League to address the threat.
However he's likely to get little sympathy from Australian fans who have long lamented the steady flow of NRL players chasing the money in the other direction.
St Helens are bracing themselves for the departure of prop forward James Graham, who is being courted by NRL clubs and almost certain to join his England team-mates Gareth Ellis and Sam Burgess in Australia in 2012.
Graham, whose Saints contract runs out at the end of next season, stayed on in Australia at the end of England's Four Nations campaign to hold talks with at least two NRL clubs but has also promised to speak to St Helens before making a final decision.
"I would think he will make his mind up by the first quarter of next year," said McManus.
"He's spoken to the clubs he wished to speak to and we have to sit down with him when he gets back.
"It's more where he wants to live, rather than where he wants to play."
McManus also plans talks with hooker James Roby, who has signalled an interest in playing in Australia, as well half-backs Kyle Eastmond and Leon Pryce, who are all out of contract next year.
And he says it is time to take action to halt the drain to the southern hemisphere.
"We can't just pretend it's not happening," he said.
"You invest a huge amount of time and energy and, dare I say it, money producing players through the academy over the years.
"What I don't want to see is those players tempted by the NRL because the salary cap is higher than here because of the exchange rate and to rugby union.
"It's a real problem and it has to be resolved."
McManus' crusade puts him on a collision course with those who want to see more British players plying their trade in the NRL in the belief that their experience will ultimately benefit the England team.
McManus added: "It's one thing saying they may be better players and, therefore, the international team will be better as a result but, if Super League is undermined by it, the international team will not be stronger.
"The Super League competition has to be the same quality and the same intensity as the NRL if the international team is going to compete."
McManus also wants to see a reduction in the number of fixtures, a further cut in the overseas quota and a greater emphasis on the development of local juniors to improve the national team's prospects in the wake of their disappointing Four Nations campaign.
