ArthurClues wrote:That's the reality of the vast gap in wages between the NRL and SL. Just about every club is doing it. I remember people pouring scorn on Jai Field, who was in the low single figures in NRL appearances, when were chasing him a few years ago. Safe to say people were very wrong. Iapape at Leigh has never played a game in the NRL, yet he's been outstanding. I'm not saying it's the way forward for every recruit, but nowadays there has to be a balance. If you haven't already seen it, I would recommend watching the state championship GF. He looked like a good player to me. Arthur seemed very keen on him as Blease noted that he was paranoid that we hadn't been gazumped on Monday morning.
My point is he isn't 18/19 he is 23 and still hasn't played even one game in the NRL. Newcastle are hardly Penrith - if he can't get a game there how good is he?
The difference in standard between the two leagues is significant so he may well go well here.
Field was always thought to be potentially the best player in the league when he came - IIRC he got injured pre-season and didn't in his first year.
Arthur must see something in him - fingers crossed
