Quote: theredshed "Were some young players ignored though because they simply weren't anywhere close to playing at SL level? Evalds, Theo, and the Walne brothers have all been given an opportunity by Harris.'"
The 2012 Academy team came top of the table and were screwed in the play-offs by club finances, super league CEOs who wanted the to do away with u20s and a Head Coach was was determined not to be overshadowed. A Walne was sidelined for most of that season then left the club to join Workington. Alan Hunte bought him back during his short tenure as Head Coach.
Others of that team, who were clearly capable of beating Wigan, Leeds and St Helens finest youngsters, many of who are in those clubs' first teams, are either out of the game or playing in the lower leagues because they became disenchanted with the regime.
The club only played lip service to the Academy system but produced a top team which was pushed to one side when the so called super stars were bought in.
How much better might it have been with local lads with passion for the club, playing in front of their family friends and neighbours?
Let's face it. Could they have done much of a worse job?
