Player Drain.

Yes, this is about the player drain. No, this isn't the regular New Zealand players are getting poached.

This is about league, and the St Helens Chairman Eamonn McManus calling on rugby league chiefs to halt the player drain to Australia.

Isn't this a twist of fate. And also a bit rich if you ask me.

Mr McManus, with all due respect two players is not a player drain.

Be it that it may, they were England's two best players on the park this Four Nations. Sam Burgess, and Gareth Ellis.

There should be a case for more England players to come to Australia. It will strengthen the English, because let's face it - the Super League is rubbish.

It's where Kiwis and Aussies go to finish up their careers. It is like the retirement home of rugby league.

And yes, the English commentators of the game must be hard of hearing too - as they think that it is close to the NRL in style.

In many ways, the league teams over in England are just like the Rugby Union teams. Taking talent which is declining in other countries, rather than promoting homegrown talent from lower ranks.

As an arm-chair commentator on both games, this is madness. I don't understand why you would bring players in, if it wasn't going to strengthen your country, or the country's competition.

I'll take it back to Sam Burgess. This kid is a superstar. He lifted the performance of the Souths, led the way, and much of the whole team lifted as well - a positive influence on Australian (well mostly Kiwi, thanks Russ for infiltrating the Souths) league.

The point is that English players coming down here to strengthen their game, and then take that reconditioning and knowledge back to the Super League is a godsend for the English.

With the strong Aussie dollar at the moment, the whole English national team should be sent down to live with the convicts for a year, such was their disappointing showing in the Four Nations.

So Mr McManus. The evidence is right here for you to see. James Graham should definitely have his boarding pass. As too Sam Tomkins - minus the girly pink boots.

To get the English shield have at least a little bit of pride, these warnings must be heeded. NRL, not Super League is the way forward.

Without the pace and intensity provided by it, and with the game being played on dry surfaces, England, and the rest of the world, will no doubt fall away even further.