I've just heard from a very good source that Sam is not going. A formal offer hasn't even been made by Northampton or any other RU club. But he wouldn't go anyway, because "he just wants to play RL."

I'm sure that's his position. There'll always be some men who won't be tempted by money. Union had its own fair share back in the 70s. The likes of Gareth Edwards and JJ Williams were all offered decent contracts by RL clubs, but remained amateur (at least in the public eye).



The trouble is, these days a lot of these lads have tenacious agents who know no loyalty to RL as a sport. Even Wigan-based agents like the lad who sent Chris Ashton to RU are only interested in getting the best deal for their clients, and why not? - that's their job.



Hopefully, if this offer becomes real, the lad's determination to stay and IL's wheeler-dealing on the cash front can combine to make the lure of RU less attractive to both Sam and his representative.

Here's hoping. ST is always whinging about how sh/t RU is. I'm sure he won't go before he's past it in 10 years time.

Wasn't Phil Clarkes (Andy?)brother the agent involved in the Chris Ashton deal?

Sad to say, yes. Blotted his copybook with me big time over that incident. Not that that would worry him much.

And the impact of Jason Robinson as Head Coach at Sale won't improve things for us

This is an old rumour that has simply re-circulated because he stood out in his Super League debut on TV last week.

Why do you think the likes of Robinson comes to games? Could be be scouting?



Salary Cap is slowing killing our sport against Union. Yes it has made a more competitive league but there is a bigger issue at stake. We're very soon going to be known as second rate rugby when all the best players play Union.



Need to act now, stop this and increase the cap and attack union by taking some of their top talent.

The cap has not gone up in real terms for 4 or 5 years the only change we have had is National insurance contributions were removed form the cap as far as i remember. It should go up to at least £2.2m or the best way is 50% of turnover the previous year so if you get your act together and turn over £6m then you could spend £3m on wages. This would benefit the clubs that make more money but would also encourage the clubs that did not make a lot improve there turn over no clubs would then go bust and the bigger clubs could have larger squads.

i largely agree with what most on here are saying. league needs to look at the salary cap and make changes quickly.

but look at it from the other side of the fence. union has a large salary cap and it is expected to be increased. a host of clubs, many of which are in the top division are struggling financially. i think we'll see a few union clubs go to the wall in the next few years.

plymouth can't afford to pay their players' wages. bristol are financially unstable and if they get relegated they'll be in all sorts of trouble. newcastle and several other union clubs rely heavily on 'sugar daddies' as their crowds and support from general public is woeful.

we're not the only sport to have financial problems remember.

Which is why both codes and football should have a 50% of turn over cap no one would go bust and the more you make the more you can pay out but thats to simple

Sounds like a plan to me Mr Greg.



The Rugby League seriously has to act fast and stop any further losses. I would like to see something implemented ready for next season.



There are so many players who prefer league but find themselves in Union due to money, and who can blame them. One broke leg or bad tackle and their career is over.