Is this an issue to you?

I'm not sure we've ever had a reserve squad. Surely we have a squad of 30ish contracted players and academy and the reserves are made up of those not playing in the first team for whatever reason.

I don’t think Butterworth is still signed to the club. He plays for the Reserves but like many he has no contract.
Think he’s too old for Academy?

He’s not a bad player but TBF I don’t think he’s knocking on the door. However Mash might see it differently.

In terms of HB’s coming through nothing yet for me I’m afraid.

Hooker on the other hand we do have one in Camplin IMO. Very good around the ruck, quick and accurate passer of the ball. Solid and strong, more your Terry Newton type rather than quick silver.

That said sadly I don’t see very much talent HB wise anywhere else either. The nearest we had was Abrams, my hope is his stint in Oz has given him an edge and should he return he’ll have a go in our reserves and see if he can win a deal.

I honestly think kids don’t bother with the role because they feel that the position is exclusive to Australians, sad, very sad.

I don’t think I suggested he was contracted… I think he came out of academy in 2021… and like a number of players not on a first team contract … still plays reserve grade on some form of part time payment… Butterworth was practically an ever present in the reserves this year as was Ollie Farrar … I don’t know what type of deal they’re on but something ties them to the club.

Butterworth has a very good kicking game but isn’t very dynamic and isn’t the best defender.

Harry Bowes is the best home grown Hooker on our books at the moment, I don’t understand why he can’t get an extended run when our more senior 9’s have been average.

Connor Bailey was doing OK but we seemed to dispense with him very quickly without really giving him the chance to find his feet and settle into the role

Charlie Abrahams has done really well at Mullumbimbi but like Bailey he wasn’t offered a chance to develop amongst a full time squad.

The tie is a chance to pitch themselves and good luck to them I say. Butterworth is on the edge but he either needs a contract this year or move on to have any career. Do what Hooley has done.

That said these days kids come from all walks and he may be doing a degree and has a family that can support his dream. So maybe he can bide his time, and good for him I say.

That’s totally correct regarding Abrahams. As far as I’m aware he wanted a year in Australia regardless. So how could we offer him anything. From what I’m told he’s not certain yet whether to come back or not. It’s not always the clubs fault, players are individuals with aspirations of there own and to some RL is not necessarily the be able and end all.

I used to live next door to a young player called Andy Speak. He had it all and was signed by Leeds on mega bucks. But within a few years he knew it wasn’t what he wanted to do and nobody including myself could talk him round.

He’s never looked back. What I’m attempting to say is that with youngsters it’s never as simple as just talent. A good coach is looking deeper than that, he’s looking for drive and hunger. It’s really difficult to spot in most young lads.