This years Wigan U16's side.

Undefeated in two years, beat Leeds tonight.

Some real talent in that side.
I just hope we have kept the vultures at bay.

Did I see something on Twitter mentioning that Leeds U16s were unbeaten at home before that game?

It must be brilliant to be in Wane's place when these kind of situations arise. Someone needs resting or injures - no matter Il just pick one of the young academy players to bring through, from my pool of champions.

Oliver Gildart and liam bretherton are two stars of that team who both play for England at u 16's and have both signed for wigan

Oliver and Joe haven't signed for Wigan, neither have the other 10 that who have been told they will get contracts. Whether Wigan can keep all 12 happy and give them the contracts that they want and deserve is another matter. There's a lot of interest from other clubs and rugby Union.

Leeds played their strongest team last night whereas Wigan didn't, we were 18 points down at the beginning and they showed real character to come back from it. Wigan didn't play anywhere near their potential, but showed glimpses of class to come back and win the game. I think you'll see a different game this Saturday when they play Hull FC at Orrell.

No one has signed for Wigan yet

The RFL (in conjunction with the cost-cutting clubs which form the majority of Super League) are going to do their best to drive these players into the hands of rugby union clubs.

You've obviously heard the same rumours that I have re academy rugby.

They had beaten Warrington and Bradford at home previously yes.

Is that to do with the revamping of the academy system and a move towards a regional pool of players rather than individually run academy sides?

That's about it. Hull and HKR to have a combined team, Wakey and Cas are the ones I've heard about and maybe Wigan and Leigh. As Paul Youane says it's all about cost cutting.
Frightening if it's true. It also appears that some amateur clubs maybe unable to fulfil their fixtures at U16 level if their players sign pro forms. It was never a problem with winter amateur RL as their season had finished by the time the players signed pro.

All rumours of course, but from so many different, good sources, I think there maybe some truth in them.

This isn't what I'm on about.

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.

Yes because that's exactly what the sport needs to attract/retain talent isn't it?

A Communist Cap eroded by inflation over many years.......

I have given up being angry at the RFL, they are a pathetic bunch of spineless, clueless, parochial individuals.

It's depressing.

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.

Enjoy professional RL in this country while you can. Its days are numbered.