Can't agree with John Bastian having a short career - would have thought that only applies to players (on field career)

He did have plans for Bradford but they were rejected - so off he went. As you say - he now has backing for what he (and now HKR) want to achieve.

As for joined at the hip - spot on!

And as SMTMuk has 13 Bulls players on his books and over 100 in total - HKR may well be very active soon, regardless of relegation or staying up.

I see that (hip) relationship as unhealthy but likely not illegal in terms of RFL rules (if any)

Widnes hae brought some cracking kids through last few years, and especially last year leading into this. There are far far far worse super league clubs. I reckon only Saints, Wigan, Leeds (to an extent as they have brought through but nowhere near their usual quality) and Huddersfield (not withstanding where some of their kids have come from) have brought through more than Widnes, barring us obviously

Also remembering Widnes have to compete with arguably the two best academies in the country in Saints & Wigan, plus Warrington who can throw money at young players on their door step.

Warrington and Leeds seem to be keen to snap up any promising Widnes youngsters. Sounds familiar.

Fair enough, my bad.

Wasn't a dig back mate, just an observation. As Bullseye put above considering who they compete with too I think they have done ok. With dwindling participations at junior level across the country I reckon the job of enticing youngsters will be even harder for any club