Greg Inglis to Essendon

[EasternWest]

He wants to stay "their"???

You must be a teacher!

What does everyone think of NRL payers coming to the AFL?

I think it's an interesting idea, worth at least considering. In the case of GC and GWS I can understand splashing the huge dollars because it really is a marketing coup. The risk of Folau and Hunt being duds can someway be offfset by the fact that by merely signing they have generated huge interest in the teams.

I think it's be mad for Essendon or any established team to spend heaps on Inglis or the like. The exisiting teams are already well established and can't really afford the fallout if their boom NRL recruits turn out no good.

And let's not go overboard. The media hype surrounding the signings makes me think of those flexi nose bands and the magnetic bracelets. Someone once said it helps, and they spread like wildfire. Until they didn't.

I'd rather wait and see how the big signings go before we plunder the NRL.

Side point: anyone else think it's the smartest career move Folau and Hunt will ever make? They get massive dollars, and if it doesn't work out they're both still young enough to return to rugby. Genius.

[The Boy From Brasil]

I think it's be mad for Essendon or any established team to spend heaps on Inglis or the like. The exisiting teams are already well established and can't really afford the fallout if their boom NRL recruits turn out no good.

I agree. I think the large dollars for these guys who have never played the game is obscene, but I can understand the motivations for GWS and GC17 or why they did it. But like you say, for an established team to do it, it would be madness. If they are going to come through the system on draftee or rookie salary then no problem. But coming in on huge dollars, whilst the other players have to take a reduced salary due to the salary cap restrictions, isn't great for team building or fairness.

I wonder whether Hunt and Folau will be "encouraged" by the AFL to get games rather than be dropped. I remember that happening with Capper when he joined the bears. You would like to think the teams match committee selection would be independent from the AFL, but who would know with so much money being invested there.

[Mofra]

After spending time with some NRL types, I am very glad the sport is on it's knees and it's stars are deserting it.
By far the most insular supporters in any sport I have ever witnessed.

[lemmon]

After spending time with some NRL types, I am very glad the sport is on it's knees and it's stars are deserting it.
By far the most insular supporters in any sport I have ever witnessed.

If the real AFL goal is to bring NRL to its knees then I'm not sure they are targeting they correct players. NRL heartland is without a doubt New South Wales and grabbing a guy like Hayne would create double the uproar that Hunt, Folau have. If someone like a Haynes was poached we would see panic stations for the NRL.

[LostDoggy]

If the real AFL goal is to bring NRL to its knees then I'm not sure they are targeting they correct players. NRL heartland is without a doubt New South Wales and grabbing a guy like Hayne would create double the uproar that Hunt, Folau have. If someone like a Haynes was poached we would see panic stations for the NRL.

I have heard they already tried that, but he recommitted to the Eels.

That's why they ended up getting Folau.

[chef]

What a waste of time and money IMO(plus he has a faulty character). I can understand a developing market like GC or GWS(mainly marketing), but I think Williams has shown us how long of a journey(and we are not there yet) it is.

[craigsahibee]

What a waste of time and money IMO(plus he has a faulty character). I can understand a developing market like GC or GWS(mainly marketing), but I think Williams has shown us how long of a journey(and we are not there yet) it is.

Will get along with Michael Hurley.

[Mantis]

What a waste of time and money IMO (plus he has a faulty character). I can understand a developing market like GC or GWS(mainly marketing), but I think Williams has shown us how long of a journey(and we are not there yet) it is.

That isn't true.

His missus was the nut-bag.

[EasternWest]

What a waste of time and money IMO(plus he has a faulty character). I can understand a developing market like GC or GWS(mainly marketing), but I think Williams has shown us how long of a journey(and we are not there yet) it is.

Wasn't this disproven? I guess mud sticks regardless, but I think from memory his partner was acting violently and she got hurt when he tried to stop her?