It's a shame that the team has been decimated. I'm worried that if to many of them leave then systems in place will not be kept up with.

Agree it's a worry, but we have no influence over what is done (or not done). None of us knows why people are leaving but I hope it's not money, it would be criminal if the youth system were to fall to pieces.

Somehow I don't think Uncle John's going to allow any slackening of what's in place

. Equally AC must know that the playing team will be picked off by JB if standards aren't upheld?

Rumoured in the RL press to be looking at Widnes head of youth Phil Finney. Widnes's youth development has been as good as anybodies so would look a good replacement.

There are more to be announced by the new employer yet.

Its not good - big gap between the good stuff on the field at the moment and the exodus of backroom talent for reasons we can only guess at.

My guess would be lack of money/investment and opportunites. But thats just a guess.

Robin SHarp confirmed to KR

Indeed - and one more on the way!

I wouldn't be worrying about it yet, how often in sport do you see staff follow each other around?

John Bastian will take his team with him.

If Phil Finney comes in he would want his own staff too which would likely follow from Widnes?.

Correct! I do worry because of the amount of respect I have for what was being achieved.

It's a big and avoidable loss - but you are right about the merry go round.

As I completed prior postings I spotted the rumours comng from the Widnes quarter - and expect more in view of their recent news.

And as I type - the meeting in Donacaster is becoming heated too!!

More controversy I wonder?

If they leave they leave BUT I would not like them trawling our talent pool. We may well be semi part time and have a limited budget, but investment in our youth is as vital to progress as our very limited ability, under the same constraints, to bring in oodles of 1st team quality. It's a fine balance but one I think we must heed.

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)

Of course, information/data on players generated whilst working for Bulls can be considered Bulls property. I’m not sure how that can be enforced. Also how many of our youngsters have been signed by SMTMuk on Bastian’s recommendation? Needs some finesse behind the scenes

Whatever HKR's plans they may all change if things do not go their way this season.

If our record of bringing through quality over the past 10 years is good, Widnes is considerably worse I'd say.

What meeting?

They vultured us the other year didn't they as well. I hope they go down this year tbh.

There is a Championship CEO/owners meeting today with the RFL in Doncaster, with a variety of issues on the agenda.

At the start of the current season it was (supposedly) stated the club finishing top of the Championship would have home advantage.

Now - at this stage - its obvious who is going to be top - so there are moves afoot to change the venue to a neutral ground.

Should have been neutral in the 1st place - but hey thats the RFL. Don't agree with the moves afoot but past inconsistent decisions may come into play.

This is being debated today - and not only do "others" want it changing - the same "others" want to host it should they not be in the final.

I guess dummies and toys to be scattered everywhere.

With respect you've mentioned "lack of funds" at every slight negative story. Rejecting JB's plans could literally mean anything. we can't afford them, differing of opinion etc it depends what they were and the cost. I wish JB well at HKR, as another poster said he has a blank canvas. But my god he has a task on there that is a long term project (he's done wonders here but he still had good foundations which were set up by Mcnamara) I dont think they've brought anyone through since their cost-cutting merger with FC. Lawler I thinks the only one. The city of Hull academy were thumped 82-0 by Wigan the other day too. A lot of work to do there. No doubt he's up to the challenge there.

If we replace JB with the guy from Widnes I'll be happy enough.

And I think there inlies our biggest problem

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