Would be a good game, the Cas 2nd years are the only team iv seen outplay a Butterill coached nearly full strength Scholarship side in years, we'v dropped the odd one when playing lots of u15's to give them a game, but cant remember a defeat when playing a strong team apart from that cas game. Our first years are much better than Cas first years though, many of which played and excelled in the origin game playing a year up, theyr also better already than our 2nd years in most cases.

Not sure how many 3rd years Cas use, we'd probably only use Tindall and Hall in our strongest side.

Matt i wouldnt think too much of the Origin game. Lancashire was hit hard by covid and was a pretty weak team.

Marty, they played well, playing a year up, you can only go off what theyr doing in the games they play, Lancashire missed a few with covid, but they were still as talented than any single club Academy the lads will play.

Leeds are in a very strong position.

We have a flood of talent which is looking promising - as I said before we have almost a full first grade 1-13 in prospect which is great.

Serious question: does the club try to recruit just the best players it can regardless of position into Scholarship/ Academy, or do they focus on key positions?

I've only seen a limited amount of junior when the games have been put on YouTube, and they don't look great to be honest. Max Simpson looks a good prospect though

Think thats pretty much my opinion too and he needs to defend better. Hes a talent tho, no doubt. As is Gatus who is well liked. Second rower Jack Johnson looks ok i but he was playing outside Sinfield who put him into gaps i know Johnson has signed a deal for Leeds but not sure if its a full time one.

Gonna be difficult for kids to break into 1st team full time squad these days

Interesting thanks.

By “flood” Marty I was talking about the ones who have come through recently or are on the fringes now. I listed players earlier but what we need right now are only 1 or 2 a year that’s of quality. E.g. you’re going to have to be a flipping good centre prospect to get past Newman, Sutcliffe (!), Broadbent, Edwards, Simpson, Hall and whoever else is currently at the club in that position.

Same at second row and loose.

Anyway Bastian should be a Good Thing.

Very good win for the 19's tonight, 32 - 6 at Wakey, Wakey have been very good this year so really good result.

I went to Wigan but by all accounts a good and pleasing all round performance by the team.

I watched the highlights v Wakey, some great tries scored. I’d like to see the whole game. Again Simpson & Gatus looked good.

19s at Huddersfield Fri night. Lockwood Park.

I believe Jack Sinfield will start playing 19s in a couple of weeks. Be a big step up for him if he does.

Do you know which other 16's have been kept on Marty, Sinfield and iv seen you mention J Johhson but havnt heard who else? Any from other clubs scholarship?

Heard Warrington have took Noah Booth from Castleford.

I believe they are still working thru it Matt. I know they have offered amateur contracts to play academy to Blake Morgan, Charlie Lovering and Jacob Mitchell but dont think any have signed yet but I would expect them to sign. They are only ones i know. Sinfield and Johnson have both signed pro deals and I believe Riley Lumb has also signed a pro deal.


Theres very little money in the game so wouldnt expect much movement and players signing amateur deals. Leeds' budget has been cut considerably im told.