There seems to be a shortage of props throughout the league when you look down the squads, without knowing the details in full it seems baffling to me that we didn't push to keep hold of Koppy or Navarette.

Are you a Wakefield fans Jonh? What`s the affiliation with Wigan, interested to know

Kirby wont feature at all this season. He did his ACL last season and as far as I know hes ruled out of this season.

I have heard there could be a swap deal on its way between James Gavet and one of your props.

Very much so I'm afraid.

That's why I sometimes get annoyed when I feel certain people demanding he is given the opportunity to prove himself at SH. I tend to think that it's a bit much to be indigent when you didn't want to know us as a junior and I'm talking about his advisors as much as I am about him. I think of all players who turn their back on their hometown club, you had your chance and you chose elsewhere. I know that's hugely simplistic but there is a grain of truth in it.

Put it this way, how many Wigan lads are in our Academy? It's not like Wigan pay them huge amounts in most cases, they just want to play wor Wigan. That's fine but when Wakey lads seemingly want to play for Wigan more than us then I'm not willing to back them in the same way I am a Jowitt or a Crowther.

I'm not so bothered about those who go to Cas or Leeds as that's still fairly local but to go over the Pennines every day, you have to really want that, they have IMHO clearly made their choice.

Also, I'm not sure I do understand why they join Wigan, it's a bit of a meat grinder IMHO, they seem to ruin far more players than they create. Wakefield district is littered with young players who Wigan and others chewed up and spat out. I honestly believe clubs like Trinity give you a far better chance to develop at your own pace, just my opinion.

Ahhh that conversation you've been hearing in your head for the past 18 month

I knew a few lads who chose Wigan that are from this area at Academy level, and Leeds too over Trinity despite being Trinity supporters and quite a few who go to Leeds despite being massive Cas supporters.

In nearly every case, rightly or wrongly, when chatting to them the perception is that if they don’t make the grade at Wigan or Leeds then they still have a chance at getting a crack at SL from a traditionally weaker club. If they don’t make the grade at Trinity then again the perception is that a SL career is no longer an option.

My opinion in some cases they are right but for others they are wrong. For me it’s a call you have to make as an individual and what your strengths and weaknesses are.

Interesting post this..
When these local lads at academy level chose say Wigan or Leeds over Trinity.
Is it because of the financial incentives?
Better training facilities ?
A bit of both?

If financial..
I have no idea on the financial difference offered between say Wigan/Leeds and Trinity does anyone know what sort of numbers were looking at?
I’m hopeful that if it’s the facilities, the new ground improvements and gym might persuade some to stay in the future.

Don’t think it’s financial as the so called big clubs don’t seem to pay much, unless it’s a one off, my opinion is it’s because they have been successful during these kids growing up years and walking about in there tracksuits looks good, a lot of kids are influenced by their parents as well which is understandable, not many progress at the top level at all clubs and either call it a day or play in the lower leagues, I know one youngster who was Jordan’s year and a decent prospect who has had 4 different tracksuits because he thought the grass was greener and plays part time now so most of the time it’s not the correct decision.

https://londonbroncosrl.com/news/battye-departs-london/

https://londonbroncosrl.com/news/battye-departs-london/

Signing confirmed by club

https://wakefieldtrinity.com/blog/2021/01/

https://wakefieldtrinity.com/blog/2021/01/

This is a better link https://wakefieldtrinity.com/news/

This is a better link https://wakefieldtrinity.com/news/

There is definitely an element of financial enticement to these clubs, I have heard some of the numbers the likes of Wigan and Warrington will pay and it’s way over what we would offer to an 18/19 year old, Leeds & Huddersfield take a more sensible approach financially, but do offer other enticements