doc999 wrote:
Im very happy we have signed him , he looks world class and origin quality . I just don't see a player of that calibre hanging around in super league . I suppose it depends on your outlook , do we want a team full of overseas players or do we need an academy capable of producing homegrowns who will stay with the club and build a team that can compete for 5-10 years or do we want that instant success where we might pick up a trophy but be at threat of relegation a few years later ? There might be no good solution to this as most super league have the mercenary approach.
But its a great signing and will be unreal to see him in a leigh top .
I believe the best plan is to have both.
Success now, with a quality team that can challenge and compete with the best, and to do that we need quality overseas signings,
AND success in the future when we will begin to see the academy pay dividends.
Quality now ensures larger crowds, larger merchandise sales and very importantly strong corporate sponsorship. That in turn helps our bottom line financing (for IMG ratings in the short term) and the future for a strongly financially supported academy.