Is the NRL in danger of becoming the next NSL?

[Moffo]

With recent developments seeing Pat Richards and Scotty Donald sign with English super league clubs, one can only be concerned at the number of quality players leaving our shores. These aren't old hacky players who used to go over to the old dart to retire and drink Kronenbergs til they fall off their chairs, these are guys in the mid 20s who would only be one rung off origin selection

Recent years have seen many quality players with years left in the NRL move off shore. With the ESL getting stronger and looking at expansion, it is fair to assume that the stronger clubs over there will continue to get stronger and throw more $$$ at the good players

With a quota of 4 (i think) international players, you could realistically see the ESL picking up the cream of aussie talent into the future on big fat pay checks

The NRL may be in danger of becoming a farm league to the ESL

Does anyone else share similar concerns? Should the NRL be lobbying the ESL to reduce the number of imports to say...2?

I think it is becoming a genuine concern

Cheers,
Moffo

 

[Dogs Of War]

I think they will if too many are coming over, at the end of the day the Crowds still like seeing local boys coming through the ranks, rather than overpaid Aussies.

 

[bazza]

You are right as always Moffo
I don't think the NRL can survive the loss of super stars such as Scott Donald and Pat Richards.
Just watch the crowds drop next year when these two huge gate pullers leave our shores

 

[Mr Saab]

Players want to play in the best comp in the world hence they play in the NRL.

NSL was a crap comp and payed the same..crap!
ESL is for players for know they wont make it big in the NRL and they go and steal money from ESL clubs. NRL should not be too concerned.
I like the ESL...they took Brad Meyers from the Broncos! kudos to them. Hopefully they take Stu Kelly.

 

[SpaceMonkey]

With a quota of 4 (i think) international players, you could realistically see the ESL picking up the cream of aussie talent into the future on big fat pay checks

The bit that concerns me is the quota exemption for Pacific Islanders, the ESL doesn't consider pacific islanders "internationals" so for example a guy like Ali Lauitiiti can apply for a Samoan passport (even though he may have been an NZ citizen for years he'll still be elegible through parentage or birth), travel to the UK as a Samoan and get a quota exemption. So the ESL clubs can easily pick up and extra 2 or 3 top level players on top of their 4 "internationals" by cherry picking players with PI heritage.

 

[Special K]

Pat Richards and Scotty Donald are young hacky players who know they'll never represent so they might take the cash if they can.

 

[Moffo]

You are right as always Moffo
I don't think the NRL can survive the loss of super stars such as Scott Donald and Pat Richards.
Just watch the crowds drop next year when these two huge gate pullers leave our shores

 

[Moffo]

Pat Richards and Scotty Donald are young hacky players who know they'll never represent so they might take the cash if they can.

top tryscorer and a guy that has played origin?

Hmmmm..yeh...u...right

 

[legend]

So long as Luke Covell doesn't leave the NRL then i'll be happy!

 

[legend]

I don't think either one has played Origin from memory Moffo. Are you confusing Richards with Hodgson?

 

[joejoe]

As long as our comp maintains decent pay and quality gameplay it will be fine.

 

[Tidus_Raider]

No chance in hell. For many reasons. One for example is SOO. The pinnacle of our game. In most cases only NRL players are selected.

 

[Mr Saab]

top tryscorer and a guy that has played origin?

Hmmmm..yeh...u...right

none of them have EVER played origin or come close to it. Donald was tossed up last yr as a chance for QLD by the media, but like i said...it was a toss.

 

[The Colonel]

top tryscorer and a guy that has played origin?

Hmmmm..yeh...u...right

Colum Halpenny, Darren Albert, James Evans..... my life is poorer for not seeing these guys stay in Australia. Wingers are a dime a dozen. Wake me up when we lose some real players worth noting.

Richards never played Origin and Donald looks like he'll never get a look in much like Blacklock.

 

[Misty Bee]

If a quality player can make money in the UK, and at the same time enhance their competition, it's a win win. Strengthening the UK come only strengthens the code.

 

[number8]

Even if they were rep players, someone else will step up in their place & be the the next big thing. We lost Tuquiri & Sailor to RU & Luke Rooney & Ty Williams come through for the game. Sing refound his form with a change of clubs & Guru realised he had the same attributes & potential as his old man. There is always someone waiting....& ready. Fittler retires & Tim Smith, John Sutton come through at other clubs. Aways Someone waiting for a shot & these guys have opened the doors for another set of rookies.

 

[Ari Gold]

Richards was picked for origin agesssss ago......but he got injured beforehand......i might be getting confused with Eric Grothe, all i know is that it was a Parra winger.

 

[Mr Saab]

Roby. That was eric grothe for game 1 2000. He pulled out because of a knee problem.
Richards has never come close to origin,

 

[bazza]

top tryscorer and a guy that has played origin?

Hmmmm..yeh...u...right

A guy who can run fast and not much else
And a lumbering gump

I know you will be upset to find players you can relate to leaving the NRL, but I am sure the rest of us will survive

 

[Agent Mulder]

Roby. That wasa eriv grothe for game 1 2000. He pulled out because of a knee problem.
Richards has never come close to origin,

Richards would of if he wasn't injured so much.