Re: 2021 | U19's Academy : Wed Nov 03, 2021 2:48 pm  

This is where maybe a combined governing body could put a structure in place which worked. Again with some attendance gates and streaming options the reserves league could at least subsidies the player’s wages so that DR might be less necessary.

Our first choice reserves side next year would be worth watching.

Re: 2021 | U19's Academy : Wed Nov 03, 2021 3:35 pm  

A reserve league has never made sense to me. IMO it just dilutes a shrinking player pool even further.
To me, the way forward is for SL clubs to manage their duel reg players better. According to Craig Harrison, a lot of coaches at SL clubs don't even watch their players who are on DR, or give them feedback on their performances. Which seems very counter productive to me.

Re: 2021 | U19's Academy : Thu Nov 04, 2021 11:51 am  

First 13 could be :
Walker
Fusitu`a, Newman, Sutcliffe, Handley
Sezer, Gale
Oledzki, Leeming, Prior
Bentley, Martin
Smith
Subs Austin, Tetavano, Holroyd, Mellor

I`ve put Austin in there as cover for hooker and utility.

Reserve 13:
Myler
Briscoe, Broadbent, Edwards, Tindall
Sinfield, Johnson
Mustapha, Dwyer, Anderson
Gannon, Walters
?

Not sure who the other half would be so I put Johnson in there unless Myler played there and we add a FB.
Same goes for LF and subs as not too familiar with the Academy players.

Re: 2021 | U19's Academy : Thu Nov 04, 2021 12:24 pm  

There is no chance Leeds would play Myler, Dwyer or Briscoe in the reserves. If they doesnt play 1st grade they wont play.

Gatus will play in the reserves, AJ Wallace, Kai Morgan ahead of Sinfield as hes a year older and Jack will play 18s next year. Ive gone blank to who Anderson is?

Re: 2021 | U19's Academy : Thu Nov 04, 2021 12:54 pm  

Marty Grrrrrrrrrr! wrote:

There is no chance Leeds would play Myler, Dwyer or Briscoe in the reserves. If they doesnt play 1st grade they wont play.

Why wouldn't they? Wouldn't it be the right platform for easing players back from injury, giving players longer game time etc?

It wouldn't surprise me if Walker starts the season at full back for the reserves then wins back his 1st team full back position a few games in.

Re: 2021 | U19's Academy : Thu Nov 04, 2021 1:06 pm  

Les Norton wrote:

Why wouldn't they? Wouldn't it be the right platform for easing players back from injury, giving players longer game time etc?

It wouldn't surprise me if Walker starts the season at full back for the reserves then wins back his 1st team full back position a few games in.

Because they didnt last time did they? It will be kids, Fev players and trialists. Possibility of Walker playing a game or 2 to ease back in but no way will Myler and co turn up at Stanningley to play against a kids team.


?

Re: 2021 | U19's Academy : Thu Nov 04, 2021 2:28 pm  

Classic case of self-fulfilling prophecy this isn't it? Clubs know or suspect other clubs won't populate their reserves side with quality, therefore they don't, and other clubs see that and so they don't - result: race to the bottom.

Our first choice reserves side would be at least Championship standard.

It sounds to me like these decisions are based more on cost-cutting than absolute player development. Then again, when you have a bolter like Holroyd or Gannon they come pretty much straight through to first grade. I guess we simply can't justify the cost of supporting all the players we would like to.

I do think this needs to be under constant review, it's hard enough identifying and developing new talent and we need to do everything we can to encourage it. Maybe less money spent on over-their-prime NRL players and more invested in grass roots - paying Academy lads a decent wage would be a start. Pie in the sky maybe.

Re: 2021 | U19's Academy : Thu Nov 04, 2021 4:38 pm  

Marty Grrrrrrrrrr! wrote:

There is no chance Leeds would play Myler, Dwyer or Briscoe in the reserves. If they doesnt play 1st grade they wont play.

Gatus will play in the reserves, AJ Wallace, Kai Morgan ahead of Sinfield as hes a year older and Jack will play 18s next year. Ive gone blank to who Anderson is?

It`s ok Marty I meant Thompson.
I`m having a bad memory day!

Re: 2021 | U19's Academy : Thu Nov 04, 2021 4:43 pm  

Les Norton wrote:

Why wouldn't they? Wouldn't it be the right platform for easing players back from injury, giving players longer game time etc?

It wouldn't surprise me if Walker starts the season at full back for the reserves then wins back his 1st team full back position a few games in.

I agree.
What`s the point having 10 reasonably decent players kicking about and not getting tested in any way.
A second string of first teamers and those near to the first team squad should be played in the reserves against equally skilful first team squad members from other clubs.
The games should also be played before or after the first team games on the same day/night.

Re: 2021 | U19's Academy : Thu Nov 04, 2021 6:38 pm  

Personally I liked Academy games as curtain raisers and then separate “A”-team games.