Think that we are expecting to unearth another Westy/Owen, the instances when we have a ready made star from the academy are seldom seen and we may have been spoilt a little with the aforementioned two. If a player takes longer to graduate through the academy but ultimately becomes as good as these two, then a little patience is required. It can be frustrating when you see other clubs promoting from their academy (whether this is down to better coaching or a simple luck of the draw is debatable).

Personally, I think our problem is a lack of cash, most of which is presumably being pumped into securing the financing of the new stadium and in turn this is, again presumably, leaving us not being able to offer some of the younger players the wages they are demanding.

It's not a black and white issue and unless you are privy to contract negotiations and being a member of the squad, all the hearsay/gossip/chinese whispers are just that.

Whilst I agree with all of that, I can't understand why there should be finance issues with regards to signing young players. Presumably they're not going to be on big contracts, nor do they need to be. As you say, we're not privy to contract negotiations and such, but as far as the cap goes one would assume that it makes more financial sense to blood 2 or 3 young players instead of signing an experienced player on a high wage, should the finances be available.

OK, so there we have a reason for not paying young players (whom we have already invested in) to stay with us. A stable financial footing. Is this the case? We have no idea!

All most of the fans are asking on here is why our youngsters are going elsewhere, and at the same time we are loaning equivalent players from clubs like the Goons and Wire. The fans should be told why the club is doing this-not too much to ask surely

My thought entirely
I posted this on the casforum web site

Having followed the club since the sixties this latest 'signing' (sic) really, really takes the biscuit.

The development team and all the hangers-on (won't mention names) should hand their heads in shame.

This district is rich in rugby talent which begs the question why oh why aren't we now unearthing the next generation of Shentons, Westermans etc, stagnate, sit our your laurels, pat yourself on the back for unearthing JW RO, and we die.

The loaning of other teams 'surplus' players because we do not apparently have any suitable players is wake up call to these so-called development teams.
I did not agree with the abandoning of U18 and U21 as it gives a gradual foretaste for kids the demands of SL, as mentioned here some of the U20's are not ready for SL, but it begs the question DO we have suitable potential comming through the system .......in view of TM's latest master stroke apparently not.

Why have potentially good young kids left the club, not been identified or dropped out of the game, some names of CAS youngsters who are plying their trade at other clubs and have been spurned by the club, ie. Kyle Wood, Larne Patrick, Tom Burton etc,etc all these were EXCEPTIONALLY good youngsters who for one reason or another did not sign pro forms for us.
Why, ask the development team......false promises, favouritism of certain idividuals, cannot see the Wood (sorry) for the trees and so on ( D Wood was dead keen to sign KW, and said so at player presentation evening at Lock Lane).

The Ryan Boyle saga is an absolute classic, I know we should move on, but in view of the recent events it was on the cards that this decision of TM/Who ever/RW was always going to bite us on the 'arris.

It's easy to bag people when things are not working to plan but with a coach reluctant, in most cases, give or identify potential players, the Gledhill saga is another that springs to mind, it is no wonder that the loyal supporters are questioning the sanity of ther powers that be at WR

The thing that riles me is the amount of players playing out of position

McGoldrick on Sunday played Full back, but filled in at hooker, half back and loose forward!!

Don't even get me started on that...

we need a half back on loan? to cover sherwin or help him whos available?
or we go to the championship-

danny jones at the cougers aint bad

I seem to recall many moons ago that Jermaine Wray played for Cas? he's inspiring Keighley at the moment

Another name, christ the list is endless!!!!! I remember Jermaine in the Academy set up at Cas, he was a quality player no doubt. Letting talent go to waste isn't a new thing for our club is it?

Chris Tuson was part of a Wigan U20 pack last season that went through the season with only one defeat. They won the Grand Final at a canter.

The pack was
Neil Holland - now on dual registration at Blackpool
Sam Gee - now at Wigan Rugby Union (a snip for anyone who needs a hooker)
Ben Davies - now on dual registration at Widnes
Liam Farrell - now on dual registration at Widnes
Chris Tuson - now with yourselves
Mark Flanagan - Just played a full 80 at West Tigers in Aus.
Add to that Chris Gerrard now signed full time at Widnes

You can probably see why clubs wanted these players.

There's a frightening amount of talent at Wigan at the moment and we won't be able to keep them all.
Ainscough, Charnley, Marsh, Thornley and Mellor to name but a few.

again cas show there faith in there youngsters, as for gleds he wanted to better hiself,

You can tell the wakey game is next week can't you

As mentioned on the Wigan board, I wouldn't be suprised if this is a trial and then maybe an offer for Tuson plus cash and maybe another player for Michael Shenton.

He seems to be strongly linked with us at the moment as a replacement for George Carmont.

Cas players don't have a good track record when they go to Wigan. Tony Smith, Danny Orr were both awesome at Cas but very average when they moved to Wigan. Big Fish small pond and all that.

Dont forget Wayne Godwin as well