One of the reasons, I suspect, why Wigan and Saints have a seemingly endless supply of quality youngsters always emerging, is that their young players take their lead at a young age from the senior staff at their clubs. It is made clear to them the standards and attitude they need to adopt if they wish to make the grade. Only the best with the right commitment survive at those clubs.

As you say, this applies in every work place, whatever sector we work in. It is always up to the experienced staff to create the working environment. Failure to do so means young people, in particular, will quickly become disenchanted with what is going on around them, a sort of 'if they can't be bothered, why should I?' mentality.

In any workplace, this isn't conducive to a successful business, but in a sporting club where you are dealing with, by and large, a group of young men, it can easily become self-defeating, physically harming the club and any ambitions it may harbour.

I could be wrong, but as I said earlier, it's difficult to ignore the impression that Hull Fc 2024 hasn't been the happiest of workplaces. I defy any sporting people to able to remain positive when you're being beaten (sometimes badly beaten!) on a weekly basis, it saps the energy and belief out of even the most positive of people, a banging your head against a brick wall feeling.

It is never the prerogative of the younger staff to set the business agenda, they would need colossal confidence to be able to do so, but if the likes of Balmforth, Charles, Moy, etc. are looking around themselves and thinking 'nobody here cares, so why so I' then all we are doing is potentially wasting highly promising youngsters. They will not develop into SL quality players simply by their own efforts, that is where coaching and guidance enter the picture, the onus is squarely on the club's shoulders.

Stifling young player development is an almost hidden negative from when a club is enduring the kind of season we are right now. Something that doesn't fully become obvious until later years. I have found myself wondering this year what on earth it must be like going into the club to work on a daily basis, pretty depressing at times I would think. The biggest effect of such a downbeat environment would undoubtedly be felt by the younger players.

I just hope we don't live to regret this aspect further down the tracks with other SL clubs ultimately benefiting from these young lads talents as they grow older.

Have you not watched Ockunbor, I think he could.

It's about setting the expectation at every level in the club that nothing but 100% effort and commitment in everything everyone does is acceptable. No half assed performances, going out on the lash, not putting the extras in etc. This club is a shambles top to bottom where mediocrity (and worse) has been the norm for too long

Scott or Sutcliffe
both pants

I agree but isnt someone who makes things happen from Dummy half exactly what we are missing?
There isnt one player in the squad who doesnt switch off at times and miss tackles.
The coach should make the players around him aware that they need to up their defense around Balmforth and him more protection whilst he is learning the game.
Speed and someone who makes things happen from dummy half we shouldnt throw thet away

Got 2 players back,1 experienced halfback on debut and Chan back….if Grix can’t do anything with what should be a better team than the one against London then he can go as well.Im not convinced with him at all.

Maybe our new hooker next season can do that…you know,the one you like.

Well the new coach is defence oriented so maybe you should give him a ring and tell him.

Id be tempted to mix it up a bit.

Walker
Briscoe
Scott
Sutcliffe
Martin
Trueman
Reynolds
Ese Ese
Smith
Aydin
Chan
Sao
Cator

Ashworth
Fash
Jebson
Balmforth

sao isn't a 2nd row. Played well when he's been at prop but poor at 2nd row

Sure I read yesterday that Cator is out, still think it's mad that we have two overseas players out on loan in the championship. Probably too early for Armstrong, possible off the bench to play the 10 minute role?

I'd be tempted to have Houghton at 13 and start Smith, Balmforth off the bench to cover both positions.

It'll be interesting to see if there is any increase in individual performance levels from the players with the announcement of Cartwright as Head Coach for next season.

Doubt it, the current squad don’t seem smart enough or have enough self respect for that.

Walker
Briscoe
Scott
Sutcliffe
Martin
Trueman
Reynolds
Ese Ese
Houghton
Ashworth
Sao
Chan
Fash

Aydin
Gardiner
Jebson
Balmforth

The bench will hopefully bring some energy when the come on. Just in case, for some strange reason it's lacking of course.

Something like:

Walker
Martin
Sutcliffe
Scott
Briscoe

Trueman
Reynolds

Ese'ese
Houghton
Sao
Chan
Lane
Fash

Ashworth
Gardiner
Aydin
Smith/Moy

Roll on 2025....

Walker
Martin
Sutcliffe
Scott
Briscoe
Trueman
Reynolds
Ese'ese
Houghton
Fash
Ashworth
Lane
Sao

Chan
Jebson/Moy
Aydin
Smith

It’s madness that we’ve got four quota players from 2024 unavailable for non injury reasons

Presumably the word about our drubbings, team morale, performance and coaching standards had got out in Australia and hence decent players simply didn't want to join us.

Nobody wants to fly around the world to be a member of a failing team unless they have no better options - and good players all have better options.

If I were a player I would accept less money if it meant joining a team who were bound together, played with spirit and were coached by somebody who they all respected.

Yes there is that I guess

Briscoe played centre for Leeds last year at times..Decent defence would maybe try him there for us. Barron on the wing?. Just think Scott had his chances and seems to be getting worse. Offers no go forward and defence has been awful

Cas have too much pace for us and I expect hoy to play a blinder. Cas by30+

every team in S/L has too much pace for us
Easy win for Castleford
We are slow this season but next season looks to be even worse
Briscoe,hardaker and Sutcliffe pace to burn

At least it's a straight fight for the wooden spoon after we get beat.

Re branding as the snails

In 1985 we had real pace in our backs since then the odd player like Ratu and Albo..
You would have thought that Richie Rich would have made that a priority when looking to acquire players especially in the backs given we have to be the slowest team in S/L
He has not just signed fillers but fillers at the end of their careers who dont have pace