Heavily reliant...the 3 you've named there all made their first appearance of the season today for us. I guess the fact that we have free scoring wingers, one of which has just matched Offiah's record of scoring in 15 consecutive games and probably the best half back in the competition in Martyn Ridyard doesn't fit your narrative of us being "heavily reliant" on Leeds.

To be fair quite a lot of youngsters have been getting game the last couple of years. Including at the lower table sides. Look at widnes. Wetherby the quality is up to scratch is a different argument.
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On topic, if Leigh get in. With Toronto and Toulouse (especially at home). You'd think there is potential for a few upsets.
For a neutral it could be a fantastic middle 8's comp.

The 'quota' rules were introduced in 2008, the year before 'franchising' started. Those rules were tightened over the following 3 seasons so 'franchising' itself was hardly the reason.

Makes no difference. The point being made is the youth was forgotten. They can change the names to an academy and make it sound better. We had a game that players went from the community game to reserves/A teams, a very clear pathway.

Do you think they will ever create that clear pathway again?

Apparently he has been banned from posting on the VT.

Which is a shame, I find his posts quite entertaining.