Re: Oliver Roberts : Wed Oct 22, 2014 2:40 pm
Aboveusonlypie wrote:
Genuine question this - What's the big deal about signing or producing British players?
I mean at Wigan we produce more than most, but it doesn't give you any extra points when the game kicks off.
I never understand this attitude that signing local lads is best. I just like to see good players play for Wigan, and I don't really mind where they come from.
When Blake Green goes back to Aussie next year we will replace him with a Wigan trainee. All very laudable. But most Wigan fans would rather see a like for like replacement.
I mean at Wigan we produce more than most, but it doesn't give you any extra points when the game kicks off.
I never understand this attitude that signing local lads is best. I just like to see good players play for Wigan, and I don't really mind where they come from.
When Blake Green goes back to Aussie next year we will replace him with a Wigan trainee. All very laudable. But most Wigan fans would rather see a like for like replacement.
Why produce your own players?
I expect that it’s cheaper and easier to stay under the salary cap if you can bring your own through. Buying ready made first teamers is more costly as they’ll want higher salaries. A young lad coming through can be on an incentivised contract.
Also players that have come through the system ought to identify with the club more and show a bit more loyalty. You can’t buy that.
Obviously some clubs find it easier to produce quality young players than others. It depends on a lot of factors. If the club is successful then more kids will want to join. If the club pays well that also runs in their favour. Having a quality set up pays off too as does a clear pathway to the 1st team. It’s no coincidence that the more of these factors you have the better you’ll do.
A lot also depends on the number of amateur RL clubs nearby and the popularity of the sport. In places where the game is a lower profile the harder it will be to produce home grown players.
Even if you do produce decent British players there’s no guarantee you’ll hang onto them. There’s always a richer and/or more successful club around that can tempt a young lad, it’s a short career. Look at how many of our ex youngsters are at Huddersfield, Catalans, Wigan, South Sydney etc.