I think we will see Murphy and Powell go out on loan to super league clubs which will do them a world of good.

I don't see any point in players being loaned out to leigh or the scorpions, it' s a lower standard than they will experience in super league.

So as for the forwards i think it would be useful to loan out tom spencer to prove his worth in keeping him at the club, it would be too risky to play him in our team and i think lloyd should also be loaned out maybe to widnes to see what he can do in super league as i dont think he is big enough in size just yet to boost our pack.

I rekon Burke and Crosby are big enough and strong enough to complement our first team so id like to see them making some appearances for the Warriors this season, Crosby will run through a brick wall at prop which shows he's keen and reminds me of a young Baz Mac, Burke has size, handling skills and footwork so if an opportunity comes in the back row im sure he would slot in just fine. Logan should also be loaned out to see what he is caplable of when playing more games at super league level, and i have to agree with grimmy if it was my choice id put carbs on the bench and see what he can do at hooker to give micky mac a breather.

But the problem is that now there is only an U19 comp with no overage players, so where are the likes of LLoyd, Crosby, Carberry, Logan, Powell, Murphy etc going to play. I don't think playing one game as sub every six weeks or so his going to help their development. I've always rated Carberry and with him being able to switch from hooker to back row he is even more of an asset, moreso imo than Logan.

The academy changes have made things really difficult for the teams who produce a lot of players, even more so now that the U23's in the Championship has been scrapped with only an U20's now being played at that level.

The U19's side will be excellent and will take care of itself, and the majority of them will still qualify at that age next year, plus this years unbeaten U16's will be stepping
up, and there are some top prospects in that side.

Ryan hampshire and george williams may get some loan time there or at south wales

I don'd think so they are both still only 18 years of age.

Seems that this will push more youngsters into SL at what coaches may feel is too young an age, and people will have different views on that. But what this will not alter is the fact that some clubs will STILL produce more young players than other clubs, and some will just sit like chicks in a nest waiting to be fed.

I'm hearing rumours that Carberry has been released.

Was he out of contract?

Could be he just didn't fancy being sent to play for South Wales Scorpions. I hear it wasn't an especially popular gig last season for those involved. Even worse this year with the additional travelling with the new teams that are involved. Can't say he's Super League quality for my money but I'm sure he could get a gig at Widnes or Salford (if they make the season) if he wanted.


Still only a rumour though.

That wouldn't surprise me. He didn't look good enough as a hooker and being moved into the back row would put him in competition with other young players like Lloyd, Burke, Lever and Connor Farrell.

Personally I prefer Carberry to Logan at hooker. Looks like Logan might be given a shot due to family connections, same as Tuscon.

Too sort this academy mess that the RFL have caused I would have liked them to introduce seven substitutes in pro game. Three (or four) should be under the age of 21 at the start of the season, and there should be no interchanges (once you're off you're off)

That would allow teams to keep hold of some of their promising players over the age 19, giving them time and experience in first team rugby.

The changes to the Academy format was not something the RFL caused it was voted through by the clubs themselves at Super League level after the idea was pushed particularly strongly by two clubs in particular with the rest bar two jumping on the bandwagon to save costs.

The changes were then rail-roaded onto the championship clubs.

Blame the RFL all you want but you know which clubs are to blame.

Which ones?

Wigan and Leeds. As far as I am aware the 2 that objected were Saints and Wire.

Are there any outside backs that would benifit from a season in the championship and have the ability to play at that level as this is where I feel we ( leigh ) are a bit short of numbers ??

Yes we do but i think they would benefit you more than it would benefit our players playing in your league, the competition is poor!