I don't think Gasnier got it right at all, it was a typical Ausie comment assuming that the NRL is the only league that creates good players.



Tomkins is getting more accustomed to the style of play in the NRL and as such is using his talents to play better. Whether or not he's becoming a better player than he was in the SL is debatable, the two competitions have different styles of play.

Tomkins is fourth for tackle busts this year. He's shone in some games, seemed unwilling to really get stuck in during others I think. I reckon he will be really good next year too.



Cooper has established himself in a Dragons side that is improving and Widdop is really well regarded. I would expect him to be England's #6 this year.

There is not yet a full English team. There only 9 players. Not enough backs.



As of 2015 it should be the following:





FB: Sam Tomkins



CE: Jack Reed



FE: Gareth Widdop



LF:

SR:

PR: James Graham, Mike Cooper, George Burgess, Tom Burgess, Luke Burgess

HK: Josh Hodgson

...and Lee Mossop I presume

And Lee Mossop indeed. I forgot about him because he hasn't been playing. Has he been injured?

He was injured until about round 13 or something, played a handful of games and then got injured again - he's out for the rest of the season.

Have a look in the second grade, you may find a few there who aren't half bad.

Watching sam burgess week in week out, it's a complete traversty he's off to the dark side. The best and mostconsistent forward in the nrl, and more importantly getting better and approaching his prime, he will be a massive loss for south's and England. Just ask issac Luke who has a field day playing behind some of his charges and quick ptbs. (The burgess/Luke combo is a thing of beauty). Outstanding against manly, he seems to get better the bigger the game. On current form south's could well give him a send off in the biggest game come the seasons end.



Just wish league could keep hold of its best players when they are in their prime

Awful that he is leaving League. He should be staying in league and confirming himself as the world's best forward, not taking the money in Union where he will be so bored

If he wants to go let him.

He is massively ego driven, he is one player that I would lock out of returning to the game to place a marker to others that want the benefits of Rugby League then jump Ship.

He has had every opportunity in our game and every door has been opened to him and he still feels the need to abandon the game that built him.

If we accept the code jumpers back so easily it sends the wrong message, let them go and stay there.

Problem is it is the best players that jump ship - SBW being a case, Harmichael, Israel Folau - are you saying you would not allow an of these players into RL?

Yes.

Hunt was average as a Rep player and picked for Rep games beyond his ability.

Folau is a mercenary pure and simple.

$BW set out his stall in how he left the Bulldogs.



Sometimes you have to draw a line in the Sand and stick to your Guns.



The game is bigger than the player and if some that chase the money or "big stage" want to do that they can, but perhaps if Rugby League did not welcome them back less would take the option to leave.