Have the Bulls done much in the way of long-term loan deals with young players? I reckon its the way to go, and the fact that its being used successfully shows up the poor standard of the reserve grade (largely due to it being in effect a juniors competition).

not particulary this year. addy was due to go to dewsbury on dual registration but that lasted about one game. Most of young players who were in frame for loan deals were being used in 1st team due to injuries and small senior squad. Think you'll see a few going out on loan next year though with our increased squad depth. crookes & crossley seem the most likely candidates at the moment.

I think your missing the point that he's, I think, the youngest of all those mentioned, by quite a way in some cases, and has missed the best part of last season, in which when he played, he was above average (and yeah, I agree the average wasn't that high, but the kid was only 17). Fair enough if you don't rate him, but for me he's an outstanding prospect who's already shown he can cut it at SL level and all things being equal a bigger, stronger and faster Donaldson has every chance of being an international in a few years. We have some great talent, fairly raw admittedly, coming through the ranks just now, but it all bodes well for the future.

It is, hes got the potenital to be a a decent SL player.
Like I said, hes done OK, but nothing special. He hasnt made a break, and his attack is well below average. James wont get much bigger, you're kidding yourself if you think he will mate. He's just not a big lad, and that will hinder him in the pack. Because he's not big enough to really make an impact in the backrow and not fast/skillfull enough to play 6 either.

I hope he does, and I hope he proves you right and me wrong, from what Ive seen thus far I cant see it though and I cant understand the hype that surrounds him.

Bulliac, no Im not missing the point, my point is Im struggle to see where Donno fits, because at the moment he's not better than any of our first choice backrowers and a number of ayounger ones aswell. He certainley wasnt above average last season. The only way Donno will play internationally is if his buddy is still the coach, because there are a number of young backrowers a damn site a lot better IMHO.

Not sure why you're so down on the kid to be honest. I guess he will still be just about 18 by now, so of course he won't be in front of Elima, Langers or Whitehead, maybe others, no one seriously would expect someone of that age to be. He would hardly be playing full games too often anyway, because of his age, and the club wanting to bring youngsters into the side gradually. You're spot on with one thing though, no one knows for certain how he will finish up, but going on what I've seen so far - not many 17 year olds hack it in the pack - then it's looking good as far as I can see.

He wasn't going out with you sister and then dumped her was he.......

Half the players that are being discussed wouldn't have had experience and gametime that they've had in any other SL team.

That isn't because of of a lack of potential or quality - especially taking into account that most forwards improve with age. It's because most other teams had enough depth in their squad to avoid playing the youngsters unless there was a dire injury crisis.

Unless these players are exceptional that should be doing most of their playing and developing in the under 21's. That is what it's there for.

I can't remember whether it was on here or on Boots and All where there was a discussion about the fact that most of the players who come into SL and are classed as young players are actually 21+... It may even have been at the fans forum for that matter... These kids who are 17, 18 and 19 aren't the finished product. How many players have been judged and release but then gone on to great things once they'd had time to mature?

maybe michael was the fan donno mentioned, on the 'superleagues super men' thing with carney, who was talking to him on facebook and got upset when donno wouldnt pick him up and give him a lift to game?

I'm not down on him, dude. I just cant see what the fuss is about, like I couldnt with Joe Westerman either.
He's been in and around the first team for almost 2 years, he should be starting to have an influence on games in some way or another, which he wasnt before his injury. Oh please, not many 17 year olds can hack it in the pack, practically every player that comes into Super League is that age give and take a year each way, and yes, that does include forwards.

Anyway, we'll see. Cant see him playing much next season though TBQH.

Should I lie and pretend I think he's ace?

No mate, no need to pretend. We all have our opinions, and only time will tell.