Merger

Quote: *1865* "It's difficult for both clubs to recruit from outside the East Riding. We're 50 miles from the nearest RL playing area and no matter how much we want player x it's simply not practical to expect a player to choose Hull, especially when Leeds are on their doorstep.

I don't think the problem is identified at the level going through right now, it seems more of a proactive measure to address problems identified coming through. You look at ours and Rovers 19's at the minute and between us I reckon there's only 20 players that have a realistic chance of being SL players between us, luckily for us the majority are at Hull. At present we're struggling to turn that potential in to real outcomes. The idea I suppose is that we'll take the best 30 and really concentrate on them with pooled resources in order to get them the best in sports science, education etc. to hopefully increase our conversion rate.

Problem with the younger ones is everybody wants to play for Easts, West, Wyke or Skirlaugh. This creates a problem where a lot of kids just aren't getting the focused training needed. As they progress the talent becomes spread to other teams but a lot just simply fall away.

Unfortunately, RL can't compete with football.'"

My son's one ambition in life is to be a professional rugby player. I would gladly make the journey from Castleford to Hull to help him achieve his ambition, just as I would make the journey to Wigan should they want him. As I said in my original post there are scouts from Lancashire clubs at our games. Wigan have a scout based in the area, they are that keen to make sure no stone is unturned.

My son has been to embed the pathway sessions during school holidays at Wakefield and Castleford and at both there were lads from Hull. I bet there wasn't a single lad from outside of the Hull amateur teams at the sessions run by Hull and Rovers. There is a big world of opportunity and player talent out there if you choose to look.

There are 43 teams operating at under 13's and one under 13's team playing in the age group above in Yorkshire, that will be almost 800 participants. Admittedly not every one will have the potential to become a professional player, and some might have their hearts set on playing on their doorstep, but not everyone. There are clubs in Rotherham, Doncaster that are largely ignored. If the link works this lad is just 14 and a terrific athlete but at an unfashionable lower league club. Hull needs to stop being so insular and look further afield.

www.pitchero.com/clubs/kippaxwel ... 53785.html