You can't just play kids.

You can't just go out and buy a squad full of players, the salary cap doesn't allow it.

You need to blend the best youngsters with decent senior pros, a small number of which need to be top quality.

So you are all correct.

The blend is getting better but isn't quite there yet.

I’m astounded you think this way. There is a debate to be had over quality but it’s clearly obvious the players are bigger and faster than they were. You may not have the fast wingers anymore but there’s a reason for that. The Mark Calderwoods and Scott Donalds of the past would never manage today with having to do the grunt work that is required of wingers today.

Ben Jones who was (don’t know if he still is) part of the conditioning team has done or been part of a few different studies that show the increasing size, muscle mass and muscle soreness of both League and Union players. Not to mention of course the number of injuries has clearly increased over the last 20 years.

As mentioned by others, take a look back at some games from 2001-2007 when the majority of the golden generation plus a few others like Watkins made their debuts. The defences are nowhere near as quick or as powerful or dominant in the tackle as they are now. Plus the players look smaller.

Also just to build on what was mentioned previously in that the golden generation were actually eased in to the first team:

Sinfield - debut age 16/17 but only made 4 appearances over 2 years. Then was only when he was 18/19 that he was played more consistently.

McGuire - debut age 18, only makes 3 appearances that season. Next season just makes 9 appearances. It’s not until 2003 when McGuire is 20 that he plays consistently.

Burrow - debut age 18. 11 starts 7 bench. Plays consistently next season.

JJB - debut age 18. Makes 6 appearances over 3 years before being used more consistently at age 20/21

Not part of our academy but interesting nonetheless:
Peacock - debut age 21
Leuluai - debut age 21
Webb - debut age 21
Cuthbertson - debut age 21


The only one there that really bucks the trend is Burrow.

The lads we've had in over the last few seasons are the ones who generally get more stick than anyone. Sutcliffe, Handley, oledski and Smith took a fair amount of criticism over that last year or so, despite being much vaunted as greatest player ever by the bring in the kids brigade

Sutcliffe and Handley were nothing more than average youngsters, never had any big claims about them. It was a surprise they got opportunity over others.

Smith was held back by the stupidity of our previous coach, who had an obsession in making everyone a prop. This despite all coaches in game at all levels believing that Smith should have started development at stand off to develop his handling skills further first.

This is where proper development takes a priority and seems missed by people obsessed with defending a club move. There is an “inbetween” in development, and is something continually stated by those “bring in the kid brigade” you speak of. Key is the right coach, belief, and the ability to lead.

Forget about Cam Smith. He's signing for Tigers in the summer.

Nah, it's Matty Smith you're getting...

We'll see

That must mean we are getting something better out of this deal

He's a Cas lad,his whole family is at Cas and he's OOC at the end of the season, so I wouldn't be surprised.

Rob Burrow is a Cas lad (or was when he joined Leeds). Walmsley and Tom Jonstone are Leeds lads. Jason Robinson is a Leeds lad. Doesnt mean much. Cam Smith has spent all his junior years at Leeds. I'm sure we will tie down.

Not saying I believe this, but with him being OOC at end of season, not sure what you mean by deal?

He's playing like someone aiming for a new contract, not someone whose future is already settled. Like a lot of players, I imagine he wouldn't be too bothered if rumours of other suitors did the rounds if salary negotiations are ongoing.

under 23 club trained can still request a fee.

Really cannot see anything in this, if Cam smith is not wanted we would be shipping him out to Fev and not playing Him as first choice 13, he is playing for an improved long term deal and i would expect Leeds have already laid it on the line what they expect from him to grant him an improved long term deal, and he is responding to that with great form this year. I would expect a long term deal tied up for him by June-July.

I dont think he'll go ,but he's playing well so they will be looking for a replacement if he does go