I personally think it's a wise move by the club. I don't for a second think they expect a postponement but at least it makes the sporting public aware of our problem and takes any gloss off any potential big margin results against us. I actually think this situation will make the players stronger and more determined as a group going forward. There's certainly a hell of a lot going against us but I'm sure we will eventually come back fighting.

This is spot-on.

I really wouldn't want the Club throwing under-developed sixteen year olds into a SL game. You're talking about not only potential serious injury, but also knocking-back any potential development that has gone on.

I think it was worth the Club asking but sticking it in the public domain seems like a really stupid decision. There was no need for it to be a public matter and then become another anti-Salford stick to beat us with in the eyes of other RL fans. We just need to suck it up and get on with it.

Hull or the RFL will not postpone this game,

We are going to have to play some of the the under 19s, And we are going to get beat, no surprise really.

So if it was me in charge i would return all the on ;loan players, , then look at the squad i had left, then send the under 19s , tell them to enjoy the game and dont worry about the score, it will give us another week to get more players back, and give those young players who have had to step up in the last few weeks a rest, then try the following week to put out a full team of our own without loan players.

That is what i would do.

Quote theredshed="theredshed"Harris could consider fielding an entire team of academy players. We are on a hiding to nothing anyway so why risk further injuries and suspensions? The only problem is some of these lads aren't fully developed and I worry it could be very damaging to their development.'" Then watch this happen... www.theguardian.com/sport/2002/m ... e.sthelens Quote theredshed="NuDevil"What's wrong with the U19's? Serious question from with a new fan and enough knowledge of RL to fill a postage stamp (just). Is it a poor academy in general or a bad set of players?'" I'm no expert on the 19s but I think the team has been assembled with an eye to the future and many of them are at the young end of the age range.

Quote theredshed="theredshed"Harris could consider fielding an entire team of academy players. We are on a hiding to nothing anyway so why risk further injuries and suspensions? The only problem is some of these lads aren't fully developed and I worry it could be very damaging to their development.'" Then watch this happen... www.theguardian.com/sport/2002/m ... e.sthelens Quote theredshed="NuDevil"What's wrong with the U19's? Serious question from with a new fan and enough knowledge of RL to fill a postage stamp (just). Is it a poor academy in general or a bad set of players?'" I'm no expert on the 19s but I think the team has been assembled with an eye to the future and many of them are at the young end of the age range.

Ah I see. I know RL us a brutal game but it seems a bit much the number of injuries we have. Suspensions we have no one to blame but the players involved. I wouldn't fancy being thrown in as a scrawny 16 year old

Ridiculous to ask for a postponement, especially considering the players you have suspended. Harris's Wigan-esque thugby tactics appear to be biting your club in its behind.

Can we be done by the RFL. For putting up a weekend team by playing the under 19s??????

In terms of playing the u19s it would be massively irresponsible. As others have said many if them are 16 and 17 and shouldn't be playing against an adult team en masse, bring a couple in but if they were ready we would already have done it.

Also there's points difference. could be vital at the end of the season given how tight 3rd to 10th is. If we get a 60-70 point mauling which could happen if we literally play the 19s then that could be fatal come the split

The better of the older u19s are on loan and have agreements not to recall - I wonder if what would happen if we recalled them early? Presumably cost us a few grand? Could be worth it if they can play half or hooker or free others up to play there?

Anyone remember us fielding all the kids at Wigan back in the 80's? From memory we needed one win from the last two to avoid the drop. We went to Bradford the following week with a fresh team and won easily.

I was at the Bradfart match, u would of thought we had won the cup that nite coming home on the m62 lol

I agree entirely that some under 19's may not be ready but I don't recall Wigan saying it when Edwards joined and played for them.
You do seriously have to question who drew up your loan agreements for some of the players you loaned out without a return clause in them to cover such problems.

In fairness some players are ready at 18 and others aren't. Garry Schofield is another example of player who hit the heights at such a young age. The difference is that it's OK playing a couple in an experienced team but when you have several more it could be potentially damaging to a young players development/confidence. This said Wigan played several kids at our place last year and they were outstanding. Although Wigan always have several special kids and a proven system for developing them.