I thought that Staveley and Balmforth were Newcastle's best tonight. Staveley looks Super League ready to me. Balmforth maybe needs a little more work from a physical point of view because Super League sides would make him work defensively but he is really really talented. He'll explode into the stage when he's ready.

There is a comp for L1 and L2 teams, and some PL teams under 21's play in it

Probably wouldn't need to send players out on duel reg if that were to happen . All squads under one roof so to speak .

Would really benefit us, with us currently having 40 first teamers, if everyone is fit (big if) that’s 20+ potential players needing proper RL every week. We definitely have the depth, plus the odd academy player getting experience too.

Like in the NSW cup, majority of NRL teams have gone back to having their own squads entering that comp instead of feeders clubs.