I don't see that as IMG's issue.

All clubs get the same TV money (that I know of) and have the same Salary Cap. Go out and improve.

They're starting off with a not very compelling offering, and no immediately obvious (to me) way of improving it substantially.



The central distribution and cap does vary a bit across SL but that isn't the fundamental problem. Variation in total revenue and the impact of long-term domination should also be considered.



Fair point. But it feels like it is (almost?) too late to adopt a traditional approach to that. If SL's opponent clubs want to enjoy life more, I think they may need to consider radical change.

Agree with this! Couldn't see any ESL team making the 8 in the NRL at the moment. We'll continue to pick up their "bad boys" and as soon as they get a MOS nomination the NRL will call them back. It is what it is! Really looking forward to the Play-offs which start tomorrow. Would love a Parra v Panthers Grand Final!

100% sure mate, yes. Croft has been great for you no doubt. But he wasn’t a “top Aussie”, he wasn’t in the first team, he was a reserve grader like Hastings, French, Field etc. That’s totally my point.

He wasn't a "Reserve Grader" he played around 40 times for Melbourne Storm in three years no mean feat when you think of the competition, then 26 times for the Brisbane Broncos in a two season stint. Very much a 1st Teamer.

Ow yeah and Reserve graders don't usually play in NRL Grand Finals like Brodie Croft did partnering Cameron Munster against Cooper Cronk and Luke Keary.

If you want Reserve Graders think more Cade Cust .

Some reserve line up that was........


James Tedesco Fullback Billy Slater
Daniel Tupou Wing Suliasi Vunivalu
Latrell Mitchell Centre Will Chambers
Joseph Manu Centre Curtis Scott
Blake Ferguson Wing Josh Addo-Carr
Luke Keary Five-eighth Cameron Munster
Cooper Cronk Halfback Brodie Croft
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves Prop Jesse Bromwich
Jake Friend (c) Hooker Cameron Smith (c)
Sio Siua Taukeiaho Prop Tim Glasby
Boyd Cordner (c) 2nd Row Felise Kaufusi
Mitchell Aubusson 2nd Row Joe Stimson
Victor Radley Lock Dale Finucane
Isaac Liu Interchange Kenny Bromwich
Dylan Napa Interchange Christian Welch
Zane Tetevano Interchange Brandon Smith
Ryan Matterson Interchange Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Trent Robinson Coach Craig Bellamy

65 games in 6 seasons.

He was seen very much as a reserve grader for the future, thus he was not picked up by any NRL clubs, thus came to SL.

[iCroft was described by the media at the time as the next Cooper Cronk and was labelled a "Cooper Cronk clone"[/i

Shite that Cronk fella . BTW the queue for his services, is getting longer by the day.

Squad fillers what drugs you on



Players like Blake ferguson nene Mcdonald inu would pretty much walk in every super league team especially the first 2

Leigh have the strongest team that's got promoted for many years ( if they do )

He wasn’t a “top Aussie” though

Not sure what was worse in tonights game the pitch or the discipline!

Once Huddersfield beat Salford, St Helens will put Leeds back on their box

Nothing against Huddersfield but, I feel Salford will just nick it.

Unlike you well at least your an Aussie. A top trolling Aussie at that.

What an embarrassment Sam Tomkins was tonight, chucking himself on the floor like a sack of spuds, we don't want to see that in the game do we Clarkey?!His tantrums made the win all the more sweet. What a coach Rohan Smith is incredible turnaround , perfect game plan tonight.

They won’t though. There is a reason Salford finished 6th and Hudds 3rd. I don’t rate hudds at all. They are just the best of a bad bunch but are so much better than Salford

I don’t recall you saying the same about Richie Mylar?

Who does he play for? Unless you mean the fullback who played Tomkins off the park last night.

Better game this afternoon and tbf to Salford and Hudds a decent turnout given the fanbase sizes and it being on free TV

I have to admit your trolling is far superior to your RL knowledge and predictions.

You have to admit, Salford have been the best team to watch this season.