Quote: Sal Paradise "The NRL want our talent - they know the cheapest way is to get them when they are young and put them through their coaching programs. Deals like Bateman's are bad news for the Aussies'"
I know most clubs have said they are only offering amateur contracts to the current 2nd year academy players apart from the few they may have already tied up with first team contracts . The scholarship are also becoming u17s next year so that older group won't be getting paid either , so the NRL can pick up some of our young talent for free or thereabouts (not the first team contracted) .
As I've said on another teams thread we are going to lose all but a few of a generation here and the clubs will no doubt come out with the "We don't know why that happened" .
My lad falls under the 2nd year academy lot and been part of the England elite training group most years ,even he's thinking of defecting to football as he can earn enough money at National League North level ,a level he's is easily good enough for . He's wanted to play pro Rugby League since 8 years old , if he's thinking of quitting I'm sure a lot more are . Why suddenly have to train and play for free at that level when clubs can afford to splash out on overseas signings .
More than ever I fear for the future of Rugby League.
