Quote: DaveO "Not some move by Hethrington again is it to reorganise (yet again) all the reserve grade/junior structure of the competition as regards money? I have a vague recollection about the idea being their wages counting on a clubs salary cap whereas at the moment they don't.'"
Leeds and Wigan appear to be the two "big" clubs in support of the changes.
It will reduce the player base and restrict the level of payments to youngsters to little more than a pittance but that's ok because that pittance will be grant funded so saving the actual clubs money. Considering these kids at 15/16 are already represented by agents what do you think their advise will be: take the £2.60/hour rugby league sports apprenticeship or sign for Sale on a proper professional sportsman's contract? The likes of Bateman, Ward and Currie would have been playing Super League this season paid under the government's sports apprenticeship (£2.60/hr) - slave labour.
Only one academy age group with players over u19 to be sent out to play in the "pub league" that is National Championship 2 for "partner clubs". Next season's u20s to be a voluntary competition that clubs do not have to bother entering if they want to save a few quid.
I'm not sure on this but I also believe a massive reduction in scholarship rugby is included.