: Wed Mar 18, 2009 9:53 pm  

DoubleAone wrote:

So are you arguing we (RL) should enter into a wages spiralcompetition that the game cant afford anyway ???

Not at all – I know there is nothing we can do to prevent RL players getting nicked and it’s annoying to say the least.

: Wed Mar 18, 2009 9:57 pm  

LS16_Rhino wrote:

Not at all – I know there is nothing we can do to prevent RL players getting nicked and it’s annoying to say the least.

But thats my point ...they arent currently being nicked poached bribed......as we have clearly established.....

: Wed Mar 18, 2009 10:05 pm  

DoubleAone wrote:

But thats my point ...they arent currently being nicked poached bribed......as we have clearly established.....

I know this… I know that we haven’t had any players plundered (as yet) this season but history has taught us that if the RFU fancy having a punt on any player they choose then they can.

: Wed Mar 18, 2009 10:14 pm  

LS16_Rhino wrote:

I know this… I know that we haven’t had any players plundered (as yet) this season but history has taught us that if the RFU fancy having a punt on any player they choose then they can.

OK but I cant bring to mind any huge RU successes in that respect nor any huge outcry from RL clubs

surely you dont include Harris or Farrell.

From what I remember the Harris situation was that for the 800K Leeds received it was just good business.

Farrell IIRC was perceived has just cashing in for his pension.

Walker was generally acknowledged as a huge mistake.

Yes it may be seen as unfair but in general the RL game as been well compensated for any loss as I presume will also be the case with Smith IF it turns out to be true.

It would be a wee bit hypocritical of RL to complain too loudly given the imbalance in the overall situation ie RU stars to RL in the past.

If the boots on the other foot now we can hardly maon can we ????

: Wed Mar 18, 2009 11:05 pm  

LS16_Rhino wrote:

My question is relevant – so I’ll re-ask it “So in your opinion it is perfectly acceptable for the RFU to plunder our player pool?”

Yes it is.

What do you want, the kind of under-hand, immoral and possibly illegal acts the RU used to employ before professionalism to prevent young players the freedom to choose their sport?

I don't see that we currently have a problem than needs any action whatsoever.

: Thu Mar 19, 2009 1:39 am  

G1 wrote:

Yes it is.

I don't see that we currently have a problem than needs any action whatsoever.

still lacking a bit in the centre......

: Thu Mar 19, 2009 8:41 am  

Champions Leeds Rhinos are bracing themselves to lose England star Lee Smith at the end of the year.

Last season's Grand Final man of the match is out of contract and has been linked with a move to rugby union.

Wasps, coached by RL legend Shaun Edwards, are favourites to sign the versatile 22-year-old full-back.

"It's too early to discuss where Lee might be next season," said his agent Andy Clarke last night.

: Thu Mar 19, 2009 8:44 am  

Loop wrote:

Champions Leeds Rhinos are bracing themselves to lose England star Lee Smith at the end of the year.

Last season's Grand Final man of the match is out of contract and has been linked with a move to rugby union.

Wasps, coached by RL legend Shaun Edwards, are favourites to sign the versatile 22-year-old full-back.

"It's too early to discuss where Lee might be next season," said his agent Andy Clarke last night.

Well all i can say if he does go to union it's not just a big blow to Leeds but its a big blow to SL and England.

: Thu Mar 19, 2009 8:58 am  

LS16_Rhino wrote:

It pisses me off that the RFU can take whoever they like when they like and there’s nothing that the RFL can do to stop them.

I don't think you'll see any more players centrally funded by the RFU to go from League to Union. If Smith goes it will be Wasps spending the money they've made/saved from the Haskell/Palmer/Flutey departures.

: Thu Mar 19, 2009 9:12 am  

El Diablo wrote:

I don't think you'll see any more players centrally funded by the RFU to go from League to Union. If Smith goes it will be Wasps spending the money they've made/saved from the Haskell/Palmer/Flutey departures.

I am sure I read a few weeks ago that Wasps would still be not that well off financially even with their departures.Also as they are not one of the better supported clubs crowd wise I doubt Smith wouild be offered that good a deal,allied to the fact they also have larger pool of players than in league.