Thank you, very informative.........

Even though HKR could end up with no academy, one issue here is when a young player does well enough to be signed as a professional I take it he does not have to sign for his academy club? Once at the end of going through the FC academy, is say a keen Rovers fan who has really done well in the said Hull FC academy able to just go and sign professional with Rovers????

Coincidentally, this came up in another discussion I saw earlier today.

Hull FC have a promising young fullback called Connor Wynne who is 20 years old and, as far as public knowledge goes, ooc at the end of the season. It isn’t even a rumour that Rovers might be interested, afaik, just fans looking at the ooc list and wondering. The point was made that because he is under 21, Hull would be entitled to fee if they also offer a contract that meets certain criteria. I’m not clear on who sets that fee and how, but it isn’t an open market once lads are above academy-eligible age.

Another issue might be if a kid is a massive Rovers fan and isn’t too smart about hiding it (I remember hearing Kenny Dalglish tell a story about hiding his Rangers posters when the Celtic scout visited his family ), might Hull be disinclined to invest in his development?

Quote: dboy "I've already posted that HKR seem disadvantaged by this process, due to having a joint academy for the previous period. I've also posted that I could see an interim licence being given to HKR, perhaps reassessed in 2 years, instead of 5.'" https://www.totalrl.com/rfl-modifies-it ... -licences/ "Probationary Elite licences have now been awarded to Bradford Bulls, Castleford Tigers and Hull Kingston Rovers... These are initially for a two-year period (2022-23), “and the clubs’ progress during that period will be kept under regular review”, according to the RFL." Dave Rotheram, the RFL’s Chief On-Field Officer, said: “We are pleased that it has been possible to reach this agreement for the benefit of all, while respecting the process that led to the initial decision. “The RFL will work with all five clubs to address their specific circumstances. All have responded to these challenges with impressive energy, which has earned these opportunities. “There is a recognition by all now that Elite should mean Elite".

Quote: dboy "I've already posted that HKR seem disadvantaged by this process, due to having a joint academy for the previous period. I've also posted that I could see an interim licence being given to HKR, perhaps reassessed in 2 years, instead of 5.'" https://www.totalrl.com/rfl-modifies-it ... -licences/ "Probationary Elite licences have now been awarded to Bradford Bulls, Castleford Tigers and Hull Kingston Rovers... These are initially for a two-year period (2022-23), “and the clubs’ progress during that period will be kept under regular review”, according to the RFL." Dave Rotheram, the RFL’s Chief On-Field Officer, said: “We are pleased that it has been possible to reach this agreement for the benefit of all, while respecting the process that led to the initial decision. “The RFL will work with all five clubs to address their specific circumstances. All have responded to these challenges with impressive energy, which has earned these opportunities. “There is a recognition by all now that Elite should mean Elite".

Glad to see common sense has prevailed and Cas, KR & Bradford have been awarded elite licences for 2022 and 2023. GIving them an extended period to apply for the full licences. i.e. they'll be issued once everyone has forgotten about all this.

Ralph saves face and the player pool isn't knackered by what was an incredulously bad decision.

Reported elsewhere ... https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... n-20745431 "the RFL has now granted probationary licences to the three clubs for a two-year period, in which time the clubs will be regularly reviewed to ensure they are meeting the standards required. All clubs have received feedback as to where their applications fell short and will be required to fix those issues to retain their licences."

Reported elsewhere ... https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... n-20745431 "the RFL has now granted probationary licences to the three clubs for a two-year period, in which time the clubs will be regularly reviewed to ensure they are meeting the standards required. All clubs have received feedback as to where their applications fell short and will be required to fix those issues to retain their licences."

Typically classy response from a Bulls fan - it's ALWAYS someone else's fault!

Hopefully the 3 clubs will take the chance they have been given and make the required improvements.

If they aren't up to standard in 2 year's time, will that be Ralph's fault as well?

Which in Bradford's case was that there aren't enough U16's playing in the district despite the number of community clubs. Removing the academy wouldn't improve that either as a couple of the community clubs have already received approaches from a super league club.

Rubbish that for 2 weeks parents and kids have had this uncertainty with the club only receiving - what is pretty subjective - feedback yesterday!

Forgive me for being cynical but Bradford didn't get one in the first place because the superleague chairmen didn't want Championship clubs to have academies. The likes of Lenagan said as much two years ago. London and Newcastle are development areas but certainly Newcastle fail on 2 of the 4 criteria as set out.

Typical supercilious response from you.

Whilst Nigel Wood is acknowledging that improvements need to be made, he is also getting his excuses lines up for the next failure...

"we now see the position as a great opportunity to improve even further.

We will work even harder...

We should also mark a note of caution. The revised financial support provided by the RFL is likely to be either removed completely or drastically cut. This will undoubtedly place a considerable strain on the Club..."

That's right championship clubs will get reduced central funding next season as the superleague isn't the draw it used to be for TV audiences. For a different thread that though.

In what way is my post "behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior"??

You've heard a big word on the bus and have been dying to use it!

It's fantastic that the 3 club's have a chance to make strides forward - let's hope they take it.

Just had to google it then?

Your first point is bunkum - that was not the reason for Bulls failing to meet the criteria.

On your second point; the process was RFL not SL led.

I'm very glad the 3 club's have been given a reprieve. I hope they make the most of it.

Elite academies are now funded CENTRALLY and that funding is RING FENCED for that purpose.

The cut in mainstream funding should not affect the operation of the academy.

That's the point of the application and assessment process!

Too much development money has been disappearing down the drain. Too many clubs paying lip service to youth development.

You now have to evidence the success of your academy £s.