For an arrangement like this to work it has to be sybiotic so I hope that agreements about who does what, gives, takes etc have been firmed up.
If they have and both parties are willing and able to perform to an agreement then its a great step forward for both clubs.
Benefits can be achieved in the intent is there.

Good move imo

Did I read correctly about the rules for the reserve grade being altered next year so over 20's aren't eligible and does this have anything to do with this link up?

Generally a good idea as we've seen the advantage of getting players not quite ready for first team some more competitive game time and having first pick on players from another area looks like an efficient way of scouting.

Admittedly above Deacon's standard but he might get a game for their reserves.

My immediate reaction was that these kind of link-ups are an inevitable consequence of abolishing the reserve grade. I'm sure this must have been in the RFL's mind when taking that decision. If that's the case, then by implication the RFL is encouraging a kind of feeder-club structure for the UK...?

Probably. The reserves is under 20's from next year so this avoids the situation Leeds are in letting a load of young players leave. Looking at the likes of Dave halley he would have been plying his trade in the Championship now had it been like this.

Even if that wasn't the case it's a smart move because IMO the championship's are a better standard and a hell of a lot harder than the reserves.

Does anyone know the rules regarding loaned players? ie How many a team is allowed to have and how many they're allowed to field?

I think for football it's a max of 3 loan players fielded so working on that I wouldn't mind seeing 3 of our better prospects getting solid 1st team experience.

TBH if it makes Bradford a better, stronger club then I'm all for it

Not so sure there are any at the moment. Widnes seem to have used quite a lot of loan players this year, but not necessarily all at the same time.

Wasn't there something recently from one of the Co-Op clubs asking for tighter loan rules to be brought in?

Taken from the extant Operational Rules...

Sounds like potentially a great move. The Rochdale club have had a few ups and downs lately but their current administration is well organised and enthusiastic. I hope it works out for both clubs.

I expect those rules to be updated in the off season as the minimum loan period now is down to only 1 week.

It is indeed the RFL are trying to adopt the NRL system of one U20's competition and feeder clubs. I expect more and more link ups like this will come to light in the next few months.

Rochdale fan I know is very, very happy with this.

Well, tbh, I've been calling for feeder club for quite some time. There's a limited talent pool for RL in this country and as you go up the pyramid from u9 up to professional there's less and less room so you've players dropping off and, in some cases, out of the sport. These sorts of links mean that we lose less players for the sport and as such allow for more stable teams as there's a steady flow of players in both directions