see my post on page six.

Happy with yourself?

In this week's Rugby League Week, there is an article by Tony Adams, stating that the Wests Tigers have signed this week, one of the best young back-rowers from England....Mark Flanagan to a two year deal.

The young 21 year old has been playing for Wigan, and his father Terry, played for Great Britain in the 1980s.
Mark has also played for the England's Academy side, consider the stepping stone to full international honours for many of Britain's best.

Flanagan came recommended by former Cronulla centre, Phil Bailey , a now teammate of the young utility player from Wigan. Phil's a good mate of WT assistant coach, Peter Gentle and that's where the contact was made.

Tim Sheens said..."We have done our homework on the kid, and the mail is very good......He has good versatility-he can play half,5/8, hooker as well as back row"

Good news for me, i go to watch the Tigers every 2nd week.

Sounds like a good investment for both clubs.
I love the idea of young pommy kids coming to Oz to better themselves.
They can only come back better players to Super league.
The kid will love the West Tigers set up however I think he will be playing alot of reserve grade with the Tigers at the start of the season.
The Tigers are going great guns atm and play Parra on friday night which would surely be one of the best matches of the season and a sell out crowd is expected.

Flanagan lacks a bit of pace but has good ball skills. he is an honest hardworking player.

Two years in Aus will help his development, can you also take Farrell, Ainscough and Thornley?

Mark Flanagan has not signed a contract with Wests Tigers yet, they have offered him a contract though and i personally hope he signs it and comes to play for the Tigers.

Here's an interesting one, do they come back from the NRL as better players

Mathers ?
Sibbit ?
Thorman ?
Mason ?

I would not e surprised to see him used in this role in Australia.

Add Mark Edmondson to that list.

Did they go out there as good players?

Mason went out there very young and is now maturing into a very good Prop, the rest were odd selections by the Aussie clubs indeed.

On that evidence, no.

Here's another question. If they turn into a raging success down there, will they bother coming back at all?

I can't help wondering if this "go to Aus to face a real challenge and also improve your game" is a bit of a myth. No doubt, the first part is true - you'll face a real challenge, not least getting into the first team. But the second part has yet to be proved IMO.

Still, from what I hear, Flanagan wants to go for personal reasons, so there's probably not much Wigan can do to stop him.