imho, that is the problem for the under 20s in the UK.

The whole profile and investment of the under 20s competition nationally, needs to be raised quite a few bars.

Players going out to the championship league from the 20's should be seen as a step backwards, for those who will not make it to SL standards.

Isn't the point of going to championship clubs to play against adults?

No

Saints have got it right on this score. Their kids come straight in and look comfortable practically from the word go. Lomax, Gaskell, Makinson et al will serve them well for the next few seasons - don't think we can say the same about any of our kids as we never see them unless we play a Championship team in the Challenge Cup and then we might see one. Remember Jack Aldous?

Who knows where he is? He played against Oldham and was earmarked as having a big future - since then we've never heard a thing about him!

Quote: Airlie the Cat "Who knows where he is? He played against Oldham and was earmarked as having a big future - since then we've never heard a thing about him!'" Aldous joining York: www.yorkcityknights.co.uk/12665- ... s-campaign Chris Green & Nev Morrison at Donny: www.hullfc.com/newsarticle.aspx?n=17470

Quote: Airlie the Cat "Who knows where he is? He played against Oldham and was earmarked as having a big future - since then we've never heard a thing about him!'" Aldous joining York: www.yorkcityknights.co.uk/12665- ... s-campaign Chris Green & Nev Morrison at Donny: www.hullfc.com/newsarticle.aspx?n=17470

thats because the reserves have had a 6 week or so mid season break

I personally think it's down to coaching being poor and the players not getting much of a chance from the age of 16. Hull clubs such as east hull skirlaugh and west hull always seem to excel at youth ages compared to all Yorkshire clubs an the majority of Lancashire clubs and as soon as youth players go to FC they are unheard of. I also think players from the 16's at hull should be given more of a shot at the under 18's league and the same for the 18's at under 21's. I have seen a few under 18s players play very good rugby this year. Why not give them a chance at 21's? There isn't nothing to lose and they are gaining experience. P.s agar out

Hull is a terrible terrible place for a young player if they get a slightest bit of hype due to the 'hanger ons' and thinking they are already a big shot who has made it just because they have a tracksuit.

I disagree with that. I know you get the odd player that gets ahead of themselves because they have the tracksuit but it isn't every player. I know the drink culture doesn't help with player development as any hull FC player gets into nightclubs for free and other bonuses. It isn't just hull youngsters that will suffer from that I'm sure Leeds and others will have individuals that get a bit big headed. I know a few young lads that are dedicated kids but they don't get a shot they need to progress. It also doesn't help spending more time in the gym than on the playin field. Hulls philosopy is that if your not big and fast enough your not good enough. I know a lot of very skilful players that have been rejected because of size. It wouldn't surprise me if sam tomkins or rob burrow got rejected if they were at hull youth clubs.

What sort of excuse is that? We need updates on what these starlets are doing 24/07.

I wasn't meaning every player I was saying I think it is a contributing factor as to why some players never hit the heights they should.

Hull's recruitment process for picking players needs to be far more thorough as whilst the players ability is the number 1 thing their personality, character and social groups become far more important the older they get.

The start of the pathway system isn't fair with youngsters only given one 20 minute game to show what they can do, thats the first thing that needs changing.

Secondly they need to keep watching all players from the age of 13 yrs onwards and not just who they signed, as most of us know some kids develop much later and they are simply missed!