Probably, but SL is a long way behind the NRL. IMO the coaching looks really poor in SL at all levels, based on what teams churn out. The other issue, which really is unforgiveable is that physically SL has fallen way behind the NRL. All the backs that go to the NRL look way too lightweight. There's no excuse for full time players not to be at least as physically fit as NRL players.

Say what you like about the man himself, or question his motivation for saying what he said - but he's still right; SL is, unquestionably, years behind the NRL, in almost every conceivable way. It's so obvious it's almost not a criticism - just a statement of fact. The appropriate response, rather than spluttering outrage, is probably "No $h1t Sherlock."

Is the correct answer.

Well my respect for Hardaker has gone up after he said this

Jamie Soward has been slammed for labelling Super League “10 years behind the NRL”.

Englishman Zak Hardaker, who has returned to Super League with Castleford after a brief stint with the Panthers, took aim at the former Dragons halfback with an extraordinary spray.

“When Soward came over I thought he was rubbish,” Hardaker told the Loverugbyleague website.

“You can’t really listen to a guy who came over, played for London, was probably one of their worst players. No one wanted him at the Panthers, then he goes to play Championship.

“You can’t really listen to someone who’s been rubbish in Super League. So I would take his comments [with a grain of salt.”

Hardaker can cal Soward every name under the sun; doesn't make what Soward said less true.

I guess all the Panthers fans would also agree.

Even Joey Barton would agree...

So we are supposed to disregard the views of someone who succeeded in the NRL because someone who failed in the NRL said he failed in SL?

Precisely.

w

TBF I think their is plenty more players whose opinion would be more valid on SL/NRL than a guy who had two short stints at a club who teams could beat without getting out of 1st gear in his first spell and his second spell in the championship. Guys like Brett Hodgson, Monaghan brothers, Lauitiiti, Blake Green, Tommy Leuluai, Danny Buderus to name but a few who actually played for a number of years over here and are much better placed to comment on the issue of the gap between the competitions.

True.