Just out of interest what’s everyone’s thoughts on reserve grade next season. I’ve been keen for this to be brought back for a few years but my worry was always going to be how serious some clubs would be and how it would be financed.
My biggest worries appear to be correct, in recent weeks Ive seen good lads turning there back on the game mainly due to the proposed part time and pay as you play offers been made to lads at 19/20 years of age. This as certainly been the case at cas. I was also given the same information last week from Warrington parents and I’m aware it’s also been done at Huddersfield. At cas 7 lads were offered part time deals less than £100 a week but then they were expected to do a full pre season with the first team. Only 3 signed the other 4 have walked although 2 will be snapped up is my understanding. Yourselves I’m told will mix and match with featherstone which could work. I’ve also no doubts the likes of Wigan and saints will run a successful reserve set up.
I can only speak of what I've heard about Leeds Brayton and I've come to the conclusion similar to yours that its pretty much going to be a waste of time. I doubt that they will play many games if its regionalised.
People who think 1st team players are going to play in it if they arent in the 1st team are kidding themselves I think. Lads coming off injuries wont play there either, you arent going to see Stevie Ward play in reserves if he is coming back from a layoff for example in my opinion.
Half our team will be Fev lads anyway by the sounds.
Kids like Holroyd and Mustapha etc would be far better off playing for Fev on dual reg or on loan elsewhere as that would by far help their development playing in the Championship and that is what will continue to happen anyway.
I can only speak of what I've heard about Leeds Brayton and I've come to the conclusion similar to yours that its pretty much going to be a waste of time. I doubt that they will play many games if its regionalised.
People who think 1st team players are going to play in it if they arent in the 1st team are kidding themselves I think. Lads coming off injuries wont play there either, you arent going to see Stevie Ward play in reserves if he is coming back from a layoff for example in my opinion.
Half our team will be Fev lads anyway by the sounds.
Kids like Holroyd and Mustapha etc would be far better off playing for Fev on dual reg or on loan elsewhere as that would by far help their development playing in the Championship and that is what will continue to happen anyway.
We will see what happens though.
100% correct that will be the case. Lads with ability would be far better used playing in the championship. It all makes sense why DR wasn’t scrapped which would have been logical to make reserve grade successful.
I can only speak of what I've heard about Leeds Brayton and I've come to the conclusion similar to yours that its pretty much going to be a waste of time. I doubt that they will play many games if its regionalised.
People who think 1st team players are going to play in it if they arent in the 1st team are kidding themselves I think. Lads coming off injuries wont play there either, you arent going to see Stevie Ward play in reserves if he is coming back from a layoff for example in my opinion.
Half our team will be Fev lads anyway by the sounds.
Kids like Holroyd and Mustapha etc would be far better off playing for Fev on dual reg or on loan elsewhere as that would by far help their development playing in the Championship and that is what will continue to happen anyway.
We will see what happens though.
Am sure this is all true. Whilst I'd shed no tears if DR was abolished, I do think Leeds and Fev have made it work especially well for both clubs, and have used the system far more effectively than most.
The experience Newman got at Fev prior to his 1st team breakthrough at Leeds was invaluable, and I'd say the situation with Alex Sutcliffe this year has also been a big benefit for both parties. For mem, Sutcliffe is always going to fall slightly short of being a SL centre at a club with Leeds' ambitions, he just doesn't have the flexibility of movement that is needed to be high-class at that position, but as he fills out (he's still only 20) he might develop into a SL-quality edge back row.
Although he has played left centre for Fev this year the angles he is being asked to run are pretty similar to those that an edge back row would run, in order to play to his strengths, and he has the benefit of a talented half on his side of the field in Dane Chisholm to run those angles off. I think he's another year off being SL-ready, but then again I thought that about Newman at the start of this year.
Am sure this is all true. Whilst I'd shed no tears if DR was abolished, I do think Leeds and Fev have made it work especially well for both clubs, and have used the system far more effectively than most.
The experience Newman got at Fev prior to his 1st team breakthrough at Leeds was invaluable, and I'd say the situation with Alex Sutcliffe this year has also been a big benefit for both parties. For mem, Sutcliffe is always going to fall slightly short of being a SL centre at a club with Leeds' ambitions, he just doesn't have the flexibility of movement that is needed to be high-class at that position, but as he fills out (he's still only 20) he might develop into a SL-quality edge back row.
Although he has played left centre for Fev this year the angles he is being asked to run are pretty similar to those that an edge back row would run, in order to play to his strengths, and he has the benefit of a talented half on his side of the field in Dane Chisholm to run those angles off. I think he's another year off being SL-ready, but then again I thought that about Newman at the start of this year.
I’m sure you’re correct re. Sutcliffe but anyone breaking into the Leeds back row over the next few years is going to have to be exceptional. Merrin, Ward, Martin, Mellor, Trout, Walters, L Sutcliffe, Smith to get past as well as competing with some new lads coming up. Going to be tough.
Your job is to say to yourself on a job interview does the hiring manager likes me or not. If you aren't a particular manager's cup of tea, you haven't failed -- you've dodged a bullet.
I’m sure you’re correct re. Sutcliffe but anyone breaking into the Leeds back row over the next few years is going to have to be exceptional. Merrin, Ward, Martin, Mellor, Trout, Walters, L Sutcliffe, Smith to get past as well as competing with some new lads coming up. Going to be tough.
Surely L Sutcliffe doesn't fit into that group - to me he is a back up centre
I’m sure you’re correct re. Sutcliffe but anyone breaking into the Leeds back row over the next few years is going to have to be exceptional. Merrin, Ward, Martin, Mellor, Trout, Walters, L Sutcliffe, Smith to get past as well as competing with some new lads coming up. Going to be tough.