Quote Mild Rover="Mild Rover"There are things (within the rules!) that allow rich clubs to stretch the cap a bit further. Also if you can break into the top 4 regularly and win a couple of trophies, players will come for a bit less - breaking in initially is the tough bit and it'll be interesting to see how a cashed-up Salford get on. Then there's the advantage of being able to pay transfer (big) fees to get who you want rather than just who is available ooc. And, most importantly perhaps, pour money into your academy structure.
The wages issue from a player POV is interesting. I was discussing the other day, hypothetically, about the best path for a promising young player in the game, assuming the lad is bright as well. I'd say semi-pro has to be very attractive, unless you think you're going to be a really top player. You can start your 'real' career, that will hopefully last you a working lifetime, at the same time as everybody else, earn a few quid extra without relying on it too much and never feeling in any way like you need to start on the HGH to make sure you get another contract to support your family.'"
A lot of sense there, I am sure that I recall an interview with Sinfield were he implied that players at Leeds were playing for less than they could get at other clubs, I also recall Justin Morgan saying that Rovers as a new club into Super league (at the time) were having to pay over the odds to get players as there was no garantee that we would not get relagated or licence renewed. I would expect Wigan & Saints can hang onto their young promising players with the expectation of trophys to come, where we :- (a) dont as yet have that production line of talent (b) the few we have produced have not stayed Taylor is the prime example. Back in the late 60's I & lot of others turned our backs on the chance of a contract. as we could earn more working or could not risk a career that would provide for the rest of our lives. It is a dilema for the game, we have to find the right type of player but can't afford to pay what they are worth. Because of that we dont compete with NZ & Aus at international level & therefore dont get TV coverage, the Sothern hemesphere dont care about it & we loose out on sponsorship. I dont have an answer but I think that allowing Sandercock & the board time to get a sustainable system into place is our priority & whatever the performance on the field we will just have to take it good or bad & hope it comes right in the end.
