I think academies should be at least under 21s for all teams and after that I think there should be another system for players who are late developers. Look at chris hill at warrington who is a superb player now. I think the system at the moment is awful as players can be dropped at 19 and never have an opportunity ever again. We need to keep developing players with potential because not all 19 years olds will be fit to face grown men and may need more years to develop.

I think most people would agree. Finding a suitable system is the biggest problem though. Even football struggles to find a suitable academy system.

In a way, one of England/Britain's biggest sporting strengths, the numerous pro divisions with unique and historic clubs is possibly one of its biggest weaknesses. Because, understandably, those clubs and their fans don't want to become feeder clubs to the current top flight clubs.

Chris Hill has been a superb player for years. Welcome to the championship (Bulls fan assumption) by the way, yes that's where a lot of players develop these days.

Bring back the Alliance/A Team competition.
There's your solution!

Yeah but the practicalities of it are the problem. How do you fund it and will players of a decent enough calibre be happy to stay in a 2nd team?

It worked in semi-pro times. I have serious doubts it would work in the fully pro era, even if you could find enough money.

I think getting rid if the U21's was a massive mistake. I must come back. I'd be happy for an U23's instead but we need something to bridge the gap between U18's and first team. Dual registration was supposed to do that but IMO hasn't worked and particularly with P&R coming back in it shouldn't continue. If a player isn't ready for a first team spot in SL1 at 21/23 he will likely be ready for SL2 or simply not good enough to play professionally. He can then go on season long loans or sign for a SL2 side.