Quote SirStan="SirStan"If Mike Smith comes back with someone of that calibre we may as well just pack in our attempts at youth development. What's the point if we are signing total novices from t'other side of the world?'"
To play devil's advocate, Danny Foster was captain of Penrith under 20s last year, and that side would easily be the best under 20s side in the world last year. They went through the comp without anyone looking like they were anywhere near the same class. The few games they lost were largely because they placed many of their best players up a grade in reserve grade for parts of the year to improve their games.
This year many of the same players have taken Penrith to the top of the reserve grade, and while I haven't taken much notice, Foster could have been a big part of that.
He was picked for Tonga in the world cup. They don't have many halves to pick from, but it's still a big wrap for an under 20s player.
He hasn't played firstgrade, but he could well have the same sort of status and potential Dobson had when he went to the ESL. He has certainly been an important part of the best junior development squad in the world right now.
My feeling is that he would be going to the ESL (if it is happening) to advance his career, and wouldn't be asking for much money - just enough to live on I'd expect - and he is a big lad - well over 6 foot and about 95kg - so he should be able to hold his own.
He also plays hooker.
Even if he didn't work out, I don't think he'd cost you much, and he could work out really well.
