Anyone know what the plan is to get us some youngsters coming through?
I know it was muted we'd have some form of academy set up for next season(which we certainly need long term)but noy heard anything of late.
Anyone of our 'ear to the ground' chaps/chapesses know anything further?

Is it actually worth it ?

Looking at the Leeds and Wigan model, when you get a spate of injuries to the first team it gives you the option to bring in players that are used to the clubs structures. You then get breathing space to make constructive decisions on wether to bring in loan signings, continue with the academy players or go all out replacement.

Leeds get 1 st pick in Yorkshire , Poland and France

Wigan get 1 st pick in Lancashire , Wales and 2 nd pick in Yorkshire

We will get what ?

With whatever pick we get , will we produce SL quality juniors to step in ?

Course its worth it & needed

I agree Gene, we need an Academy Side,or Youth team,to many Journeymen signing for us ,Shaun Wane is a great Coach , and he believes in giving youth a chance every time,it obviously would be hard to compete with Wigan attracting the most talented lads, for example Dom Manfredi,but any kind of team is better than none, if only 1 or 2 make it,there should be pride in wearing the Leigh shirt.

Backward thinking , backward looking . Going backwards

Ian, I believe your medication is working a treat these days.

Well said pal.

So still nobody can actually prove it is worth it , that's because ATM it isn't

Producing 1 or 2 players every 3/4 years isn't worth the trouble or the expense ' better to spend a bit of money scouting late developers within the amateur structure

A youth system and academy is a must to go forward in super league can't go with a squad of 25 few injuries and suspensions and you are back to square one struggling from week to week players playing out of position can't afford to do it at this level

Yer right there Derek

though it does make me sleepy early evenings.

Leigh is a hot bed of talent, always has been & im sure most would want the chance to play at leigh given the opportunity . You cant just keep bringing players on the downside of their careers & expect to get anywhere

What has happened to the glass half full? Have you spilt it?

Surely the link with the college and the work the club are doing with local clubs will bear fruition?

so you want to do it on the cheap .

Whether it's worth it or not, we have to find a way of backing up our first team squad, to cater for injuries and suspensions - as this season has proved, so far.

Yes we do , but is a substandard quality academy the answer ?

As long as this structure remains we like other clubs will use short term loans in and out , and then strengthen at the sharp end imo

Fully understand your argument Steve, & the issues over funding an Academy, which will almost certainly be 'second rate'. 'Borrowing' Young SL squad players from other clubs may be the best option, as long as there is a degree of security in it for us.

Well, I'm gonna agree with starbug.

The current system is heavily biased to Leeds and Wigan. Please feel free to name any other team that brings through as many young players...(hull maybe)

They Hoover up the talent, and they pay less for it, simply because these youngsters and their parents have dreams of them playing for the big boys. Warrington tried for years to out pay the big boys but even they had mixed results.

That said, a 2nd team of some description is certainly required, but for me needs be an open age reserves. That way we can pick off some of those kids who Leeds and Wigan don't want/need.

If it makes anyone feel any better the club are already in talks with a local club to pick up their unwanted youngsters...

14 team SL,shut the door for another decade.Lets crack on.

That's a terrible way to do things & will be a downfall

Justify your post..

Most if not all professional teams relies on a youth policy .. is that justified? .. or do you want to pounce again

I'm not talking about others, I'm talking about Leigh.Others have had the luxury of financial stability for 10 years and still using youngsters from other clubs.

Stability first would help to support any youth project. As I've said in another post.14 SL teams close the door for a
decade you'll have an academy.

you obviously no naff all about sport and development. How long you been watching rugby

Played for 10 years, been watching 43 years. You?