Hi all, just wondering what other peoples thoughts are on the RFL 'Embed the Pathway' programme? My opinion is that the RFL are attempting to dress up the loss of funding and infrastructure to run a meaningful rep' programme as something that will be a positive for the game.

The continued (quality) CPD of coaches is something im in favour of, though I think getting volunteers to profile players throughout the year and feed this back to the RFL is bonkers. Up-skilling coaches should always be important regardless of whether there is a rep programme or not and for the RFL to say that one replaces the other is just a cover up of a poor situation.

What other sport has no rep player pathway til U15s? As an example we've a very talented lad whose been offered so many opportunities by British Cycling (BMX) to represent his country etc, he's also an outstanding Rugby player and im trying to encourage him to stay when we go to 14s (he races on a Sunday), letting him know doors will begin to open for him. The problem is that the elite player pathway no longer exists until 15s.

I began coaching on Service Area and Scholarships in 2004 and think its a massive shame that the current group of players do not get exposed to this environment where they can begin to consider it as a career and also really challenge themselves. I don't agree with Football picking up 7 year olds but we've been gradually moving towards the extreme.

I've always felt their should be representative rugby from u12s up wether that's in the form of local district teams playing competitive games or county rugby,but in all cases there will always be some that say they arnt picked fairly.

I also feel the current elite training is a positive move and again it's caused some debate on the selections but I can say that the lads that are on the Castleford one have had nothing but praise on how it's been run and it will do nothing but benefit there games.

The current age of our lads Seth will always generate uncertainty with regards there futures and prospects but it will sort its self out by the summer.


On another note cas academy yr 9 won there second round Yorkshire cup tie 42-0 against milnfield from York.

West hull u14 today in barla final lost to east leeds! By far the better team and 2 tries disallowed penalty count against them was a joke! East leeds 13 played well but my mom was hulls 8! Cracking player.. we have had todays ref a couple of times this season and he is pretty poor! Feel sory for hulls fb! Superb game and then let leeds 3 in for try with 2 mins to go

RE Brayton-Seth

In total agreement about the district teams and I belive age 12 is the best time for the lads . The change happens big boy 13 a side , silverware etc . The one thing Brayton picked up on is selection ive no idea how it happens etc but the all star replacement seems to be a bit of a joke tbh. Crigglestone must have the smallest representation and a scout from a very successful team as asked myself why 2 players dont play.

Also on the age restrictions , theres one of those one offs in the school team who seems to have the x factor . Gets the tick from scouts and gets told to go to a club and play with Crigglestone as he actually is just raw talent never had played before,
trouble is hes also very good at over sports including football and hes getting offers NOW for bigger things.

again this 14s group is one of the finest set of lads ever, I watch over groups 12s and others whilst others referee etc and this group is amaze balls .
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I would love to see Yorkshire V Lancashire V Humberside . In a homd and away battle .

I agree 100% that wests were the better rugby side and would have been worthy winners. Tbf to the referee I think he got most things right including the penalties many for messing about at the play the ball or ripping the ball in the tackle. Both tries were ruled out by the linesman wether they were the right calls I don't know has I was too far away to say either way.

The 8 for hull was good but in my opinion the two 13s were the best players on the pitch while the 6,7,9 for wests directed their team around the park superbly.

Again this final was again a stand out game to add more evidence that this is a very strong age group.

Next year it will be all to play for again and while east Leeds and wests are currently top dogs in their respective Leagues I fancy 1or 2 teams will push them hard next year.

We were the better side without a doubt and it was actually 3 tries we had disallowed

Yeah - 3 tries disallowed & at one point 10 penalties in a row against . East Leeds scored a try from what should of been a clear penalty the other way too.
Can't believe that they lost , but on a positive note - the future looks very bright ..really well drilled & everyone knew their job on the pitch .

Penalties were a joke especially the big hit towards the end of second period of extra time which hull were penalised for! Was a great hit.. we have had that ref before and he is poor! Try disallowed after kick was an absolute joke as well!

Penalties were a joke especially the big hit towards the end of second period of extra time which hull were penalised for! Was a great hit.. we have had that ref before and he is poor! Try disallowed after kick was an absolute joke as well!

Ossett Academy Year 10 will play St John Fishers (Dewsbury) in the Quarter Final of the Yorkshire Cup this Wednesday, Kick Off 2:00pm at Ossett

Anyone going to the nonsense rfl induction for the 'embed the pathway' programme next month?

just managed to get a game on today at Normanton with the u16s v Dewsmoor Moor, quite a close game it finished 16-4 to Normy

week off now as got a bye in the Barla cup and no one else to play in the league as learned the league is now down to 5 teams