Not available that day was hooker Connor Spencer, England U18 and regular in 20s, would make great combination with Nathan Conroy who played full game (I think)

Other than this - Yes (obviously IMO)

And John Bateman might play if they were in a cup final

There are some other good new U18s (who can play next year as well ie school year 12), who come in when the older ones are called into the 20s and they dont let the team down, it is only the further year of age/size and development (which is quite significant at their age) which makes the team slightly less strong, particularly in defence (with the wisdom of hindsight fully evidenced by the two recent results!).

This looks likely to happen this week when 20s play Salford Friday and 18s play Huddersfield Saturday - shame but probably inevitable unless the approach I have put forward earlier was taken up, which is not likely.

i think Potter you and I all agree, but its just the practicalities of having to put out a full squad on the day that get in the way when theres injuries galore at all levels. And the number of 1st team players coming back over the next few weeks mean that it is realistic to try to keep the U18's together. and a level up we are getting a good core of our own players together in the 1st team pack, Koppy Burgess Obrien Whitehead etc etc

I see George Marchant is playing prop, didn't he join the club last year as a centre ?

New to this forum business. Alex mellor came from Kings Cross not shaw cross. With reference to the above I concur why not just keep this group of 18s together and have a great shot at being undefeated? With regards to u18 footie being non competitive the problem obviously lies with the RFL, Does a competitive envioronment hinder develoment? or instill a winning mentality among the next generation? these kids have been playing competitive footy since they were 13/14 so why take a backwards step now?

Sounds like half a dozen of them were moved up to the u20s and we still beat Huddersfield, good job guys!