I was waiting for the thread that Mark would usually put up, expecting that he went last night.

Anyway, just down road from me, so went last night.

To say impressed is an understatement. I posted the other week that I was speaking to two coaches at junior level who's players between them form a large part of this squad, and they informed me who will make it and not. Pretty spot on with some.

I went with my son, and he was absolutely amazed by Morgan Smith. I posted beginning of last season about him, as he was so young yet was playing at higher levels. The kid is sensational, and IMO would not look out of place already given game time at top level.

The lad I really wanted to watch was Cameron Smith who I am told is better still, but unfortunately was not playing, or not on team sheet anyway.

I was also really impressed thought with the kid who did play in Cameron Smiths position, Josh Jordan Roberts. Another absolute potential star.

Ryan Jones I know from the junior club he plays for, and as everything in front of him, super lad, and super player. And I was really impressed with the hooker last night, who was very busy, along with the prop who I think was Sunderland.

I know there is always arguments on this board with Rogues from Wigan, but if Wigan have players in their under 16's who can match this lot, then the game is looking very promising.

Its just a shame the other clubs are not doing the same, though I would expect kids to gravitate towards bigger clubs

Hi all. I am new to this game but enjoy following the team with my area of interest being junior development! Seemed a good place to share some thoughts. The video seems to show some great "talent" however I would always take conversations with a pinch of salt when hearing statements of "he will make it" or "he will not make it". These young athletes are in reality a long way away from high performing professional rugby league players. Without going into too much detail, players mature at totally different rates. Some of these lads may have only started specialising in RL the past 18 months or so. My philosophy when training my athletes is to develop every single person as individuals rather than Talent ID at this age. This will result in much bigger yields. Too often I see organisations throw large amounts of players through a "programme" , squeeze them and see who "pops out" at the other end! Just my thoughts!

I would agree with you mate in exceptional circumstances. In reality though, coaches who are at well run clubs, continually churning players off a conveyor belt year after year, and have worked with players for quite a while, have a very good idea of who is going to make it or not.

There will definitely be more of those they say will make it, and don't actually end up doing, that what they will be those they say won't and actually do.

I think my comment above though, I did shorten on what I put the other week, where what I put was that these two coaches were in near full agreement (even though two different clubs), where they said they will be amazed if they don't make it as super league players (naming up to 10 players), and further on a small number surprised if don't make it at Leeds. Rather than will or won't.

Just watched that video highlights, and all I would say is if you get chance, go watch this team. The highlights doesn't show you some of the other plays, that were so good.

Yes, the backs look impressive on those few minutes, but the forwards were equally has good in the match. I never saw Sunderland on that highlight section, for example, yet he had a great game.

this current crop of under 16's are probably the best academy squad that the club has ever produced imo
i also believe that the high quality of junior recruitment at this age group was also targeted as a priority by the club due to the fact that the cream of this crop will be ready to fill some very big shoes in 3 to 4 years time

i have seen lots of both morgan and cameron smith in amateur footy and imo they both have the talent to hit the very top of our game if they continue to progress

i can see the majority of this squad plying their trade professionally across the leagues but it's a game of square pegs and round holes as to where and which clubs that they will eventually end up at due to the current incumbents in their positions at each club at that time

i would advise any rugby league fans and of any club to come and watch these guys up at stanningley as you definitely wont be disappointed

Robbie Ward and Morgan Smith as our future hookers will be a good combination, taking over from Burrow and Aiton.

morgan smith could quite easily end up being a half back replacement for magsy and play alongside sutty in the halves,or he could even play at 6 himself like magsy did all those years ago when he burst onto the scene

He is very much like DM at an early age, but probably with more creative ability, and dare I say it possibly faster.

Well im sold. Stanningley for the next home game for me.

I think Cameron Smith was injured playing for England v France u/16's about a month ago.

I just the full match on youtube, the no.7 Jack Wray looks pretty handy too. Lot's of talent in that team.

Gotcha-Didn't get chance to go down Thursday so couldn't do a report.
Eclipse is right re-C.Smith did his ankle v France.
Also I can assure you that Wigan have plenty of potential amongst their u16's also maybe not as many but enough.
Sunderland actually played 13 when I saw them play the other week and was very good then he actually could be Abbos replacement (40/20)!
I agree wholeheartedly about the highlights not doing the team efforts justice I see the same with the u19's.
The future is certainly in capable hands should we maintain the quality structures we have in place and the lads live up to their undoubted potential.

Was going to mention about Jack Wray. There's going to be something of a battle for competition in the halves over the next 3-4 years, with some very good players all coming through within 2-3 years of each other.