I know that Smithies was our number one target at the time, I posted this other year. That was why they set up with Siddall and Scrimshaw as coach. They got Holroyd who was also the massive target, but Wigan were a bigger pull for Smithies. Don’t know about the others.

Last year we missed out to Wigan on Longstaff, who was also a high priority target. That was the reason they pulled out all the stops to change Joe Burtons mind, which was quite an excellent signing.

How does an u15s team win a U16s national competition?

It baffles me.

You talking about Siddall? They were far too good for their age group, and took the challenge to enter up a year. That competition only runs at under 14’s and under 16’s.

Cheers. seems like wigan are doing a good job of attracting yorkshire lads across the penines. Is longstaff a ?

Harry Newman has had a great start at Fev. he's scored a hat trick for Fev in the first half.

I saw Harry Newman score those 3 tries on the Fev highlights, he has good balance and size for an 18yo. Very promising player.

Brad martin in the squad for the 19's game with newcastle at the weekend. Anybody know if jack broadbents injured?

19's won 66 - 6 at newcastle today, scored 13 trys, missed a lot of conversions

Newman had another blinder for Fev today.

He's doing brilliantly, super talent. Is there anywhere to see highlights of his trys other than subscribing to fev tv?

Poor ol' Newcastle didn't know what hit them, with that beast of a forward pack on a roll.
I'd love to see Holroyd, Trout & Martin etc really tested to see where they're at, send them on Australian tour similar to what St Helens do every 2nd year.

Agreed. The packs looked fantastic this season. Martins footwork for his try at Newcastle was very nice, really does remind me of simon houghton, Holroyd looks an absolute monster,huge, athletic and skillful, trout looks great in the second row, again, big, athletic and runs great lines. Im very impressed with mcconnell and dupree also. Credit to burrow aswel, he's idintified the strength of the team and is utilizeing it very well, which sounds simple but its amazing how many coaches struggle to do it, bodes well for his future in coaching, the difference in how well drilled and structured the 19's look this year compared to last under morley is night and day imo.

What fixtures have the england academy got lined up this season? Id imagine we'l have a few in that squad.