You sure about that? I'm not sure the academy is producing the same quiality and number of players it was six years ago.

That's a fair point FJ especially in terms of numbers.
As for quality maybe it will take a while longer for the current crop to reach their potential.

I think we have a replacement for Diskin going forward in McShane, Watkins and Gibson for the centres (not sure ho good Broughton is), Smith for full back but not sure about 6, 7 and 13 which are key positions.

It's hard to quantify quality of the acadmey. I mean we don't need 6/7 players coming through every year (of the highest quality) as we wouldn't be able to place them. The quality seems to drip through every now and then, when its right for the players and the team. And I'm quite excited about the talent that Watkins has, and the way he's been looked after by the coaches (i.e. not beeg thrown in too early) screams that they realise the potential they have on their hands. Having said that another McGuire or Burrow would be handy.

BJB seems like a good prospect too.

I agree 6,7 and 13 does require someone to step up to the plate.

That said, our current 6, 7 and 13 are probably the best 6, 7 and 13 in Super League and all three are a product of our academy.

Aye. I forgot about Jones Bishop.

We've bene spoilt having the same 6,7, 9 and 13 for so many years and it will be a massive job to replace them all effectively.

I suppose from a team development perspective 6 + 7 are covered by Danny and Rob, possibly for the next 5 years (plus), so maybe the coaches are concentrating on other positions (i.e. centre). Don't worry Tansey will be back before you know it. Danny Allan is worth mentioning at this point, as cover for 6 or 13.

That's true actually. They might start focusing on 6, 7, 13 in a few years when they know it's gonna need looking at.

Tansey coming back is a good point!!

Also, Eastwood is only 21 y/o. Isn't his preferred position 13?? (Granted he's a chunky monkey atm but with a few years development!?)

I wouldn't have compared his build to a cash machine, what have you been taking this morning?

hmmm.... weak joke BB, weak joke!

That said, he is about as wide as a cash machine, and I know cos I saw him stood at the one outside Burger King, and the one outside McDonalds for that matter! Come to think of it, I also think I spotted him at the cash machine outside KFC!

Have you heard that Pedigree Chum are the latest company to have financial difficulties?? They've had to call the [iretrievers[/i in!



I forgot that Tansey was coming back, that's a good shout on your part!

I try!