We've only got 4 props with any pedigree: 1) Ava, who's clearly the pick of the bunch; 2) Cuthbo, who its fair to say is on the way out and isn't an impact prop; 3) Crosby, who's barely played for 3 years; and 4) Oledzki who, for whatever reason, couldn't buy playing time last year. (I haven't included Merrin as he's clearly out of position at prop.) Outside of this the remainder, whilst promising, have no real SL experience. This certainly doesn't instill me with confidence even if they all stay fit, and it'd be hard to judge Leeming if he struggles behind them. For me Prior would be a great addition - he was SOO last year FFS. He may not be real top notch but i) they won't come to SL anyway, and ii) you don't need to be to succeed in SL, as many have shown.

Well explained. Thanks

I think the days of seeing players at 17-20 years old regularly being able play first grade week in, week out are over, especially in the forward, with the odd freak like a Sam Burgess being the exception. The game puts a great demand on the body than ever before, most young players are way off the required physicality when they're teenagers.

I honestly think as a club we’ve become to cautious with young players. Not sure I buy the physical maturity excuse. Surely the body can absorb more punishment at 18 than 30!
We are at risk of getting totally left behind by Wigan and Saints who seem to have no issues with turning to youth......

I think part of it has been a lack of actual quality to work with coming through the Leeds set up. It's only now that we seem to have a decent number of academy kids looking like they might make it. You can't promote what you don't have.

For me this is the biggest issue with mcds tenure, not saying it is his fault as I don't know who had responsibility for what but we stopped producing our own talent in any quantity.

didnt McDermott take over the academy and ruin it? those who watch it will know but sure I heard that.slso that the quality only started returning when the 2 macdermotts had left the academy