Quote: Marty Grrrrrrrrrr! "Is that because Wigan give their kids an opportunity though? The only way kids reach SL level is by playing SL. You cannot become a SL player by not playing it.
The moment you don't play a youngster because they arent ready is the moment they will never be ready. Not 1 single golden generation player was ready when they was given a chance, not one. I think Corey will play Friday but hes not ready. How can he be? Hes never played at that level but the kid has talent and ability all he is lacking is the opportunity and patience.
We simply haven't given lads enough chances in recent years.
In 2016 we had a nightmare year which meant in 2017 we joined the cup a round early and played Donny, Walker and Mikolaj played and did well and their careers went on from there. Had we had a good season in 2016 those 2 would probably never have had that chance. That cant be right can it?
Weve some terrific talent at the club, not all can make it, not all can fulfill their potential but that shouldnt be down to a lack of opportunities.'"
Hats off to your commitment to youth rugby by the way Marty. The question for me is about getting the balance in the side right. Too many youngsters in at the same time, you risk getting physically dominated and throwing games. Very, very few 18 year olds can handle mature SL players physically.
With Walker, Newman and Oldedzki all learning, people forget how young they still are. I don’t think we’d want too many more Academy products in the same side as them but we do need to bring 2-3 more through next year somehow.
This is kind of what I’ve been talking about: there is no way this Leeds squad will be at peak next year with the reliance we have on home-grown talent. When these lads are playing toward their full potential in a few years, hopefully different story but this is certainly not a situation with a quick fix.
Going to be fascinating to see which lads step up in pre-season and the friendlies - the opportunity is there for them.