My personal opinion on this is that it's as much about the environment that the clubs have as it is about the younger players ability to step up. Teams like Wigan are pretty much constantly up at the right end of the table. When you are in that kind of position, teams can afford to take their time and nurture them with a game here and there. Those young players aren't under a lot of pressure and they're going into teams full of confidence with senior players around to protect them and guide them.

We are never consistently in that kind of position. And when we do get into those positions, we tend to have a habit of sticking with winning formulas resulting in pathways been blocked for our youngsters. In recent times we are more inclined to give youngsters chances when the team is under pressure or when the injuries are mounting. We throw them in at the deep end and see whether they sink or swim. For me, a player is more likely to sink in that kind of scenario unfortunately.

It's only a few seconds of a clip, but Abdull looks alot trimmer on one of the clubs Instagram videos

Just seen the clips of abdull and he looks like a different guy from last season, fair play to him.

Was just about to post saying that

Yeah Abdull looks like he's done some work - and with 10 weeks of pre season he could start in pretty good shape. Balmforth looks in very good shape too

Gaffer strikes me as the optimistic type, given that he’s wearing shorts in November.

Saw him at the gym yesterday and he has lost some weight. Squad numbers have been handed out already too.

Had heard Barron has been given number 2 shirt for next season and Briscoe the 5

Good news. A slimmed down, fully fit Abdull will an upgrade on what we had last year.

A fit and firing Abdull is one of the best halves in the league but it's keeping him fit and firing thats been the problem for most of the clubs he's been at. Hopefully he'll have a great season and prove any doubters wrong.

Think it's harsh on Martin if he's not been rewarded with the 2 or 5 shirt next season. Suppose it's only a number.....

Definitely! Thought he was one of the few stand outs last season. To come in at such a young age and play most of the season whilst never really looking out of place is a real credit to him. Be very surprised if he doesn't finish the season as a first choice winger, even if he doesn't start that way.

Too much is made of squad numbers by supporters imo.

Personally I think squad numbers have had their day and we should revert to numbering players 1 to 17 for each game.

Think it works much better in the NRL?

I agree with this too. I much prefer positional numbers on shirts. Squad numbers have done little to add to either player identity or revenue streams.

Hard as nails is Carty