[Winslade's Offload]

U16 and U19 Seasons : Thu Aug 17, 2017 11:06 am  

It is now the end of the season for our Academy teams with the U16's winding up the season with a win in their last game at home to Bradford by 50-10.

I would say its been a generally disappointing season for the U19's. They won half of their games and finished 5th in the league, outside the top 4 playoff spots. As per usual Wigan topped the league. Whilst its nice to win matches, the only reason we have an academy is to bring juniors through to the first team. Just IMO, but I think we need to see two promotions to the first team squad per year in order to replenish the squad, with the rest coming from transfers in the market. Unfortunately, I can't really see any of our third years coming through this year, note that Morgan Smith and Patrick Moran are already in our first team squad (27 and 29). I have not seen any official announcement about Will Dagger, but the rumours suggest that for one reason or another his is leaving. Ryan Jones topped the try scorers for the year but seems to have been signed by Doncaster. I would have to say that whilst he looked pacey he didn't seem to kick on and warrant a 1st team trial, (unlike Dagger).

The U16's in contrast had a very good year. We managed to get 5 players picked for the England squad with eventually 3 playing. The first half of the year was essentially the U16 age group, and they won all their matches including a 26-12 win over Wigan which I believe was the first time they had been beaten in two seasons. In total 10 players have been promoted to the U19's for 2018. I think that is the first time I can remember that happening and reflects the strength of the U16 squad this year. In stark contrast to the first team it was really enjoyable to watch the U16's moving the ball at pace through the backline and scoring some really great tries.

Re: U16 and U19 Seasons : Fri Aug 18, 2017 7:34 am  

Ellis Robson the 2nd year loose forward looks a good prospect,he's been injured for the last two pre seasons but shown some real for form and scored some good try's the second half of the season,and why is Pat Moran not involved in these games against Halifax and London,seeing him run out for the first team would give all the academy lads a boost

Re: U16 and U19 Seasons : Fri Aug 18, 2017 11:11 am  

I agree about pat Moran but maybe waiting for few more wins to guarantee SL before testing new young players?

Re: U16 and U19 Seasons : Fri Aug 18, 2017 1:54 pm  

If we lose Dagger (one of the highlights in the under 19's it appears) to Hull KR then there is something wrong with the pathway at Warrington.

Re: U16 and U19 Seasons : Fri Aug 18, 2017 2:05 pm  

Will Daggers move to HKR has fallen through. He will remain a Warrington player in 2017.

[Winslade's Offload]

Re: U16 and U19 Seasons : Sat Aug 19, 2017 7:54 am  

I assume you mean 2018 ?

I seem to recall that clubs now have to pay £10k if they take a player from another clubs academy.

Re: U16 and U19 Seasons : Sat Aug 19, 2017 1:03 pm  

Apologies yes I mean 2018. Getting my years mixed up.

[Winslade's Offload]

Re: U16 and U19 Seasons : Sun Aug 20, 2017 5:02 pm  

Well I hope you are correct and you have a good source. My suspicions are that Master Dagger may be a little 'high maintenance', but he is also one of the best talents we have in the Academy at present. He has the physique of a Giacometti, but he has a good rugby brain and the speed to threaten most defences. If he puts on a few pounds of muscle and keeps developing we might, just might have a really high quality FB in a few years.