Russian players

[East Coast Tiger]

Remember there were a couple of Russian players who were supposedly being looked at by a few NRL clubs? Kariill Kulemin (spel?) was one of them and he apparently starred in the defeat to Wales. It's a similar situation with Illiasov, he has been noted as a potential pro player for several years and yet no club has actually made any move to sign him. Most Australian kids who show any sign of potential are snapped up by one club or another, yet international players aren't considered. I think this is a bad attitude on the part of many Aussie club officials. If these players continue to show promise, do you think they'll be given a chance in the NRL or SL? There was also talk that NRL clubs would look at some RUWC players, but I'm sure nothing will eventuate there either. How are these smaller nations going to develop further when their best are treated with less respect becasue they are not Australian. Professional training and conditioning could turn many international players into stars, but they are just not getting the chance.

 

[Fampa]

It's not too hard to solve, it just needs the NRL to be proactive.

The NRL simply declares a list of emerging nations in consultation with the IRLB. Any club that signs a player who is eligible (and not just under a grandparent rule but someone who has citizenship etc) to play for one of these countries has their salary exempt from the clubs salary cap if they are listed in the squad of 25. Limit this to two players per club. However, the clubs must release these players for IRLB endorsed test matches. Even if they only play premier grade this will be a vast improvement for most of the players in terms of quality matched played week in week out.

As for costs to a club, a club already pays the costs of junior players who are billeted by other players or officials. So it's really situation no change.

The uproar would come from junior clubs who will see their junior players' potential spots snapped up by international 'ring ins'. But the big picture needs to be retained, if these junior players want the honour of gaining test caps against 'fair dinkum' opponents, then sacrifices need to be made.

 

[In-goal]

Thats a good idea.

2 players form emerging nations may be salary cap exempt.

the only problem is this would allow clubs like the Broncos to pinch South African RU stars for nothing, but thinking about that it can only be good for Rugby League.

 

[Fampa]

I'm pretty sure most clubs would look at that not just the Broncos. But whether you would place South Africa in with emerging countries is the debateble part.

I'm sure most clubs would jump at the chance if that means they can spend more money retaining their big name players and not having to count a big name rugby signing in their salary cap. However it is a big gamble to recruit someone cross codes. Anyone remember Garrick Morgan?

 

[Tidus_Raider]

Clubs wouldn't pay top dollars for any player from an emerging nation unless he was an Onion star from somewhere like France etc.

 

[In-goal]

When it comes down to the crunch not many clubs could match the Broncos for spending power.

France wouldn't be classed as a Emerging nation as RL has been there for some 70 years, and they have beaten the Kangaroos on many occasions.

2 players is all i would allow, this prevents clubs spending rediculous cash on Onion players and the like.

 

[Big Bunny]

Clubs wont fork out for Illiasov because he is at the back end of his playing career. If he was 22, then perhaps things would be different.

 

[East Coast Tiger]

I understand that Illiasov is now too old, let's hope these other younger stars don't end up missing out too. BTW I think it was Parra who were linked with Kulemin, another example of Fitzgerald seeming to want to help international RL....and then....nothing. Oh except making stupid comments about code mergers and a Stupid 12 franchise.

 

[JasonE]

Ive been told by Dino Vikas who referees in Russia that their gun player is halfback Denis Nivolski (sp)

 

[The Observer]

Ive been told by Dino Vikas who referees in Russia that their gun player is halfback Denis Nivolski (sp)

He was OK at the World Sevens, the little balding halfback, not that much chop.

As I've said and as Dynamo centre Raphael Yakubov said in Rugby League World magazine by, the NRL clubs made offers to he and to Kirill Koulemine after the Sevens. The RRL vetoed the idea. Let me add that they decided not to tell the players until they were on the plane home!

 

[East Coast Tiger]

Why on earth would the RRL prevent their players from coming to Australia? I'm sure they've said in the past that development of Russian players by NRL/SL clubs was an important step in the emergence of Russia as a strong international force. Surely if one of these players wanted to come to an Aussie club he could do it without the RRL stopping him. This sends a bad message to NRL clubs who we have wanted to help develop international talent. They finally try to do so and are more or less banned from signing these players. Very disappointing.

 

[global13]

I agree that it would b great to see some young talent from these emerging nations come to Australia or the UK and gain valuable expereince.

I read somewhere the other day that the AFL get a couple of players each year to come over from developing natins and they train with the particular clubs for the pre-season. This is a fantastic job and I dont know why rugby league ca not do the same. It would be great if each club could take on board an "adopted" country and house 2-3 players each pre-sason. It would do wonders for the game in those countries and assist in the individual players ability no end.

I think with France going into SL soon, that their players will be fine. Countries I do think need to become involved in such programs are USA, Russia, South Africa, Italy, Lebanon and even Japan. Along with the Pacific countries.