Quote: Jake the Peg "Armstrong was going to be the next big thing wasn't he? International captain at his age group, courted by the aussies. Not ever player will make it but why do so many more make it at wigan than us?'" Youth age-group success is not that a great indicator of who’ll make it in SL. Even at Wigan a high proportion don’t make it. Here are the youth England squads from 2015, as an example. It’s the same story every year though. https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/en ... d-for-2015 Questioning youth development systems… well, it’s an emotive subject and a lot of fans have sunk a lot of hope into, and are generally pretty to reluctant to write off that investment. It’s bound to come good eventually - it stands to reason, surely.

Quote: Jake the Peg "Armstrong was going to be the next big thing wasn't he? International captain at his age group, courted by the aussies. Not ever player will make it but why do so many more make it at wigan than us?'" Youth age-group success is not that a great indicator of who’ll make it in SL. Even at Wigan a high proportion don’t make it. Here are the youth England squads from 2015, as an example. It’s the same story every year though. https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/en ... d-for-2015 Questioning youth development systems… well, it’s an emotive subject and a lot of fans have sunk a lot of hope into, and are generally pretty to reluctant to write off that investment. It’s bound to come good eventually - it stands to reason, surely.

Are you related to Bonaire?

That’s a fair point indeed RR. It does seem as though the wind of change has certainly blown through and the players have got on board with a completely refreshed setup and attitude.

Interesting comments from Abdul to about the conversations the players had with JC at the end of the season and the message he gave them all has had an impact.

An improvement in our fitness next season is essential, not just in keeping 13 on the pitch all game, but also stability.

Just checked back and last season in the Centres, Carlos and Sutty only started 5 games together. Coupled with our rotating/weaker 6/7 combinations, it shows that if we can keep our new signings on the park our back division should be performing significantly better next season.

Also playing for a coach who rates him,who will have a word in quiet with him and not slag him off in the press like someone else did.

I can hopefully now assume we will be fit and strong
The new facilities and professionalism will be worth an extra 2 points a game I’m sure !
So if we are on a level playing field and matching £ for £ on the salary cap and inc Marquis players then how do we finish Top 5 let’s say ?

The emphasis now must switch from talking about fitness/physio/facilities/culture and move to GAME TACTICS/PLAY

How good are JC and AL at building a game plan?
I don’t count Grix as he couldn’t coach a game plan into Skirlaugh Under 5s

How will we attack ? We couldn’t score in the proverbial brothel last season.
We looked truly awful and inept.
Devoid of ideas.

How do these players turn all that around ? Can they ?

That’s my thoughts heading into pre season going forward