If Hayne goes to union, good luck to him. Everyone thought Thurston was going.
How many of these 'marquee' players they've taken from league are still playing union?
Signing players like Cooper Vuna....all that does it show that rugby union lack real player development that they've got to get league converts to make up numbers for a new S14 team......
OK lets look at a few top players, that were considered a loss to league
Mark Gasnier - Not happy, coming back to league (if he can bump his price up high enough). Never played a provincial Rugby game in Australia. Apparently not much interest from Australian clubs.
Timana Tahu - Certainly not happy, wanted to come back to league regardless. Released by ARU
Mat Rogers - Also wanted to return to league. Released by ARU.
Wendell Sailor - Ended his own career in Rugby, testing positive to Cocaine. League opens it's door.
Lote Tuqiri - Ended his own Rugby Career, Disciplinary issues. League opens it's doors.
Still playing:
Sonny Bill Williams
Ryan Cross (Rugby product)
Berrick Barnes (Rugby Product. Not really a big loss at the time though)
So actually, 2 players out of that list, sought release to come back to league because they actually missed the game, and not because they needed a contract.
This is how I'd rate them in terms of most-least successful in rugby....
1. Mat Rogers
2. Lote Tuqiri
3. Berrick Barnes
4. Wendell Sailor (Despite his issues, was probably the best signing for marketing at the time)
5. Ryan Cross
6. Sonny Bill Williams
7. Timana Tahu
8. Mark Gasnier
Now hopefully they are learning their lesson, because those bottom 3 players were paid a motza to switch. and fish, they do have their own talent at grass roots, unfortunately, they overlook these guys for marketable league players. Club Rugby has definitely suffered from it in recent years.