First 13 could be :
Walker
Fusitu`a, Newman, Sutcliffe, Handley
Sezer, Gale
Oledzki, Leeming, Prior
Bentley, Martin
Smith
Subs Austin, Tetavano, Holroyd, Mellor

I`ve put Austin in there as cover for hooker and utility.

Reserve 13:
Myler
Briscoe, Broadbent, Edwards, Tindall
Sinfield, Johnson
Mustapha, Dwyer, Anderson
Gannon, Walters
?

Not sure who the other half would be so I put Johnson in there unless Myler played there and we add a FB.
Same goes for LF and subs as not too familiar with the Academy players.

There is no chance Leeds would play Myler, Dwyer or Briscoe in the reserves. If they doesnt play 1st grade they wont play.

Gatus will play in the reserves, AJ Wallace, Kai Morgan ahead of Sinfield as hes a year older and Jack will play 18s next year. Ive gone blank to who Anderson is?

Why wouldn't they? Wouldn't it be the right platform for easing players back from injury, giving players longer game time etc?

It wouldn't surprise me if Walker starts the season at full back for the reserves then wins back his 1st team full back position a few games in.

Because they didnt last time did they? It will be kids, Fev players and trialists. Possibility of Walker playing a game or 2 to ease back in but no way will Myler and co turn up at Stanningley to play against a kids team.


?

Classic case of self-fulfilling prophecy this isn't it? Clubs know or suspect other clubs won't populate their reserves side with quality, therefore they don't, and other clubs see that and so they don't - result: race to the bottom.

Our first choice reserves side would be at least Championship standard.

It sounds to me like these decisions are based more on cost-cutting than absolute player development. Then again, when you have a bolter like Holroyd or Gannon they come pretty much straight through to first grade. I guess we simply can't justify the cost of supporting all the players we would like to.

I do think this needs to be under constant review, it's hard enough identifying and developing new talent and we need to do everything we can to encourage it. Maybe less money spent on over-their-prime NRL players and more invested in grass roots - paying Academy lads a decent wage would be a start. Pie in the sky maybe.

It`s ok Marty I meant Thompson.
I`m having a bad memory day!

I agree.
What`s the point having 10 reasonably decent players kicking about and not getting tested in any way.
A second string of first teamers and those near to the first team squad should be played in the reserves against equally skilful first team squad members from other clubs.
The games should also be played before or after the first team games on the same day/night.

Personally I liked Academy games as curtain raisers and then separate “A”-team games.

I quite enjoy the Academy games as a curtain raiser before the big one.
But if all teams played as near to the first team squad players in their reserves I`m sure it would bring in some additional revenue even if its from food and drink.

Or, if the reserve team was good enough, you might get hundreds turn up on another night/day. Maybe those who have work commitments on match day etc.

I don’t think Reserves games would add much revenue as a curtain raiser.

Good point as long as they play at Headingley and not Stanningley maybe.

Yep you could maybe play at the weekend rather than a Friday night, give fans an option. Some eager beavers might attend both, some might attend reserves if you can’t get to the first grade match.

Could improve the streaming / subscription offer too, I don’t imagine reserve grade would be subject to any broadcast restrictions.

This is only possible if reserve grade is decent quality though.

You couldn't afford to play these games in isolation at Headingley

Anyone in the 19’s good enough to step up fill in/ take their chance if Sezar or Austin are missing. Great opportunity for two young players next year to be 3rd and 4th choice halfs.

Not to my mind yet mate. The best ones are Kai Morgan and Jack Sinfield but both are under-done physically. Much more likely we’d use first graders Myler, Leeming, Sutcliffe as cover.