Quote: Bull Mania "Agreed. Look at James Bentley. Had offers from other clubs as ajunior. Chose us, been developed, still eligible for the academy this year, but has played every minute of every game he's been fit for and has scored 12 tries this year. He now has a choice of eight SL clubs all wanting to sign him.
Browsing around various clubs boards regarding junior development, there does seem to be a theme that some of the starlets at U16s, get offered ridiculous money (Warrington seem to be guilty of this) and then the said player never kicks on. The Leeds board gives a few examples of when they had players with huge potential on their books. Warrington came and offered stupid money (I've heard offering 30k for players graduating from scholarship level to join their U19s) and then the player never develops and is another a wasted talent. Who have Warrington developed in the last couple of years that has established themselves? Not having a go at Warrington as they at least fund a reserves, but my point is some junior players get offered silly money for a "bigger" club, then either fall in love with themselves or never kick on. Staying at a smaller club and being developed is sometimes the better option. A lot of the bigger clubs struggle to develop and nurture talent. Warrington, Hull, and even Saints don't seem to be producing first team players like before. I still think we're one of the best at developing talent and long may it continue whatever division we're in.'"
Agreed Bullmania. I know that John Bastian leads a team that have a superb track record of recruiting talented youngsters , many of whom have had the chance to go to Super League academies. It is not the cheque book that has persuaded these young 'uns ( and their families!!) , rather the programme of development and the links to educational institutions. There are many examples of young players who have not secured full time contracts but have nevertheless learnt skills which will stand them in good stead for the future .
Whatever the faults of the RFL ( and there are many), I for one am glad they included continuation of the Academy as one of the criteria for new ownership. And I'm pleased Chalmers has made a firm commitment to continuing the Academy next year regardless of survival in the championship or relegation.