This was the case in our (state) school in Warrington in the 1990s, and most of us would play for a rugby league side outside school, I didn't think it was that unusual.

Although it may explain Warrington's comparatively poor quality youth compared to say Wigan.

I assume you are talking about a school in South Warrington, because no school north of the river plays RU, do they?

I don't know actually. Bridgewater and Lymm both played RU, and mostly played against mid Cheshire teams now that I think about it.

Bridgewater and Lymm isn't Warrington



Anyone living in those areas would be horrified at being labelled Warrington, as it would destroy their insurance premiums.

Grew up in Stockton Heath and proud to be a Warringtonian.

It is true that some people put Stockton Heath, Cheshire as their address though. Not many, but some. They're actually often the people who've arrived in recent years, since the new development in the village.

I'd put that down to Wigan's on the field success over many years, I think this helps inspire the kids. I think this may be happening in Warrington as I perceive that in 2020 there are more quality players coming out of Warrington that there was say 10 years ago?

Perhaps you’d like some salt and vinegar for the chip on your shoulder? Lymm, fair enough, but Bridgewater is very much in Warrington, and they also place league there now as well as union.

Kallum had stopped playing rugby league around the Salford area, and was in fact playing for Latchford Albion in Warrington when Leeds signed him. He played in the same team as Joe Mellor, who also didn’t sign for Warrington.

I wasn't being entirely serious.... Bridgewater is in Stockton Heath though and it's well known that a number of residents around there conveniently drop the Warrington bit when in certain company.

Historically, the Stockton Heath/Warrington border (Manchester Ship Canal) is what separates 'posh' Cheshire and Lancashire and is the reason for the perceived snobbery... on a reverse note, I know several older Warringtonians in the north of the town who still use Lancashire in their address or, at least, don't use Cheshire.

Salford have never had an desire to produce their own players, they just can't be bothered, doing less than any other club. If you look at the players Widnes have produced with a similar set of circumstances. Salford have taken any opportunity to cut back on youth development and now want an equal cut of the pie.

If Blease wants to level the playing field he should get his Academy going. Once he has something worth having, then lets see if he wants to share.

If you want a draft it would make sense to do this with the regional academies that have no link with a professional club.

It is true, but I was in Bridgewater catchment area and could (and did) walk to Wilderspool on match day - very much Warrington as far as I'm concerned, arguably more so than Penketh or Padgate on that basis

Thanks for the correction Les, I maybe need to substitute him for other quality young lads who decide not to play for lower academy sides but get in at trophy winning sides academies...