So we shouldn't even try? A 12 year deal with IMG would suggest there's a real intent to give it a go. Whether or not it comes off is another question, of course.

Oh we should definitely try but sometimes expectations need to be managed, people will judge IMG as a failure if we still lose players to the NRL and we don't overtake football as the number 1 sport in England.

IMG will be a success if it increases the amount of money in the game and the amount of publicity overall.

We'll still lose players to the NRL and will never overtake soccer, but we should be ambitious in looking to create the right environment that provides a pathway for the best talent coming through. Retaining the bulk of talent will improve the quality of the comp and everything that brings. It is an eminently achievable goal.

Well said. Fully agree

I've heard the marquee player rule will be increased to 3 spots, is that true?

Reported by Jon Wells it is going be.Nothing from the RL authorities yet.

Just to put things in perspective on where we're at as a club Catalans have nonchalantly announced the signing of Nrl star Ikavalu compared to our last signing Olpherts....just saying.

NRL star? He's 29 and has made 43 career appearances.

He’s no Derrell Olpherts…

Why have you picked Olpherts out of all the possible options? If you mentioned Lisone it would be a perfectly equitable comparison.

Suppose we could try Lisone in the wing position.

Your post implied a difference of quality in signing, it didn't specify position. If that was the case Nene MacDonald would have been a more appropriate comparison. Don't be obtuse.