They are Catalans Dragons, Huddersfield Giants, Hull FC, Leeds Rhinos, London Broncos, Newcastle Thunder, St Helens, Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves, Wigan Warriors.

No shocks in the Super League clubs listed I suppose. I am slightly baffled as to why clubs who were willing to run an Elite academy setup now aren't allowed to. The likes of Cas and Hull KR have applied for licences but been turned down. Great news for Hull FC and Wakefield/Leeds who will now presumably have a better run of those areas, but I can't see how it benefits the sport?

It's also interesting to see them reject the application from Cas based on the presence of other academies in the area, i.e Wakefield and Leeds, but accept Warrington's. They have Saints and Wigan covering a very small area. Most age groups will only have one or two teams from Warrington in the top division, yet they get Elite status. I'm not suggesting Warrington shouldn't have Elite status, they clearly want to invest in their setup and bring players through, but it contradicts the ruling on Cas.

I also can't see how it allows a level playing field if Cas/Hull KR aren't allowed an Elite academy setup. That will surely impact the strength of their squad, particularly as the disparity with the NRL salary cap means less quality players will be available to import. How is that fair?

The production line of talent that the Bradford Academy has produced over the years, despite our horrendous rollercoaster, has been absolutely staggering. Trueman, Bentley, Wilson etc all in SL, a few at Hull KR, Internationals in Bateman, Whitehead, T. Burgess etc. We've punched so far above our weight in that regard so to not make the cut is absolutely astonishing to me. I need to read the specific reasons but it's a gigantic kick in the teeth. Why would you effectively close down (we can't self fund it surely) a proven conduit from the community game into the top divisions?

It doesn't, it's idiotic.

However on the flip side, what's to stop Wakefield from creating a player for three years only for Cas to come in and outbid us at the end, very likely, especially if he is a Cas lad.

I assume we get compensated, if not we are just saving other teams the cost!

To me it just looks poor whether you got a licence or not, baffled!

That's our yearly experience at Bradford. We inevitably lose the very best of our Academy talent to SL clubs. For a time Huddersfield hoovered them up, but they end up all over the place. Whilst we lose some, we also keep plenty so the net result for Bradford and the whole game is positive. Which is why not giving us a licence seems peculiar.

Small time tin pot decision from an increasingly small time and tin pot sport in this country.

Words fail me with this inept bunch of idiots who apparently run this sport

So fans of the clubs not given a licence now deem them to be inept?

Maybe, just maybe, your setups aren't good enough?

Well speaking for Bradford - the proof is in the pudding. We churn out talent from our Academy. If that's not good enough then you have to ask what is?

After the City of Hull Academy was dissolved, there have been numerous youngsters who have chosen hull KR over Hull FC, Huddersfield, Wakefield etc because the setup and chances to play were deemed better. But if you want to make an assumption based on a decision by a governing body who have a track record of making inept decisions then crack on.

Given that I believe at least half of the clubs in SL have at least 1 Bradford academy player in their 1st team, it boggles the mind as to why the Bulls have been refused a license.

Could be anything. Do they have a regular home ground? Can they play games week in week out?

It will all come out in the wash, but of course let's just claim the powers that be are inept.

Well they are.

Not enough opportunities for young players so they choose to cut them even further. Great way to grow a sport.

Can’t believe anyone would think this was a good idea.

Yes and Yes.

Although very happy and a little surprised that Trinity have got the nod, although our academy and those behind it have worked tirelessly to get there. It's utterly ridiculous for all SL and top Championship clubs not to have their own academies.

If any clubs are falling short, it would be far better for them to be helped / pointed in the right direction, rather than say no.

Nothing about RL surprises me anymore and you wonder what the short, medium and long term implications are on not having an academy.

Seems like crass stupidity from the sports administrators (again).

It isn't just about who has produced more players

Every club should have an academy you're right.

It beggars belief that Bradford haven't been chosen. Especially as there are 2 licence places left that they've decided not to award.

With all due respect to Huddersfield and Wakefield they are as many players in the England elite train on squad that came through their academies combined as there are from Bradford's academy and we've not been in Super duper league for years.

Consistently producing high standard players that go on to rep honours, Super league and NRL success including GB/England Captains in recent years.

Do they think your next John Bateman or Elliot Whitehead are going to traipse up to Newcastle?

The same thinking behind this decision is what's causing crowds to drop, the standard of play in Super duper league to drop and TV audiences/revenue to drop.

Not according to Lenagan they shouldn't.

Just because he owns my club doesn't mean I have to agree with everything he says.

Pretty sure he thinks every club should have reserve and academy sides, he just thinks we should only have 1 division similar to the NRL. (I think that's his belief anyway)

It would be interesting to know what happens to the clubs who are not granted elite academy status.
Will they still be permitted to compete in the top flight post the much talked about re structure or, is there some kind of bold plan which the masses are not privy to ?

If it's not about producing players they're looking at the wrong things. That's the whole point of academies.

no we've got the licence but I still think they are inept does that help

100% agree with you

Saints . Lees and Bentley
Wigan . Bateman
Giants . Wilson, O'Brian, Joe Wardle
Salford. Addy, Roberts
Leeds. Donaldson, Mellor
Hull. Scott
Rovers. Storton, Ryan, Mudodti
Cas. Truman

Throw in Whitehead and Tom Burgess

In our last league game 7 of our 17 were acadamy graduates

Throw in god knows how many others playing in the champ and leage 1 (Sykes, Atkins, James, Cook, Kopzack, etc) and then tell me Bradford dont have an acadamy that produces players.