Stuart slams British game

Australia coach insists Super League clubs must shoulder blame

Last updated: 17th November 2008

Stuart slams British game

Stuart: attack on Super League clubs

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Australia coach Ricky Stuart believes England have gone backwards since the last World Cup and claims Super League clubs must drastically reduce their number of foreign imports if the national side is to improve.

Stuart watched his Kangaroos outfit dish out a 52-4 hammering to England in the World Cup group stages and feels the gap between the two nations is growing larger.

Indeed, in the aftermath of England's exit following their 32-22 semi-final defeat to New Zealand, the Australia chief has spoken out and insists Super league clubs must take their share of the blame for the national side's failings.

"I understand why powerbrokers at English Super League clubs persist in targeting Australian talent - our superior footballers help their chances of winning matches - but the negative effect has never been more obvious," he wrote in the Sydney Telegraph.

"After what I have witnessed over the past month from England, the international game has suffered terribly.

"The top-end product, their national side, has been disadvantaged by the scramble from Super League owners, coaches and managers to ensure their own individual success.

"Since the last World Cup (in 2000), England have gone backwards. There's really no denying it and it's difficult to see any improvement at the elite level while clubs persist in raiding Australia and New Zealand for talent.

"The lack of focus on developing their youth is made clear by the fact that approximately 39% of the players in the English Super League are imports. How is that a benefit to the development of their grassroots football? What message does that send to any kids aspiring to play for England?"

Super League clubs have consented to new rules that aim to limit their dependence on overseas players, but Stuart thinks the move is not far-reaching enough.

"No doubt the influx of quality NRL players like Danny Buderus, Matt King and Michael Crocker will raise the bar," he continued. "But the days of Great Britain producing classy, seasoned footballers seem so long ago.

"Until a limit is placed on imports in the English league, or a shift away from raiding Australia and New Zealand, I just can't see the international game going forward in the UK.

"They have to search for players in their own backyard first."