More good news, I really didn't like this idea. If the rumoured "draft" system was part if it that suits Rovers more than us, they don't have to try hard to attract local players.

Just seen the "Sculthorpe Car" being brought out of storage for a valet.

The main problem was that Hull and Rovers couldn't agree on when the partnership ended. Hull wanted it to finish after 15's but Rovers wanted it to end after the 17's season.

It was a ridiculous idea to begin with, the only way any partnership would work would be at 12-14 because no games are played and it would simply be core skill sessions aimed at a higher level than they may receive at their club sides.

I liked the idea. Players get used to playing at higher level so improvement is better. Plus economies of scale.

And I would think he kids would be more impressed with FC and sign with us haha.

I would imagine the fact that KR haven't got two shiny pennies to rub together also contributed.

whilst it is a good idea to look at sharing facilities, equipment, transport and even things like physios and admin staff the idea of one playing club with one coach was not really workable. will be interesting to see if there are any other academy mergers - wigan/saints or some of the west yorks teams for instance

and as standee says you wonder exactly what rovers would have brought to the table, rather than simply use the new FC training facilities then take some of the best young players in return!

Never understood how halving the number of games played in the city helped the development of junior players

Maybe I misunderstood. But isn't this happening under an RFL directive. There can only be one academy in the area so the two have to be merged. Either they merge or one team ceases to have access to any form of academy at all.

If that's the case then the story is badly researched at best and intentionally provocative at worst. The only thing of note is the ex-superleague player to take charge.

The theory would be that the loss of quantity, would be offset by increased quality (fewer academies playing to a higher standard) and (let's be honest) cost efficiencies.

At any given age group it seems there are generally maybe 4 or 5 genuine prospects at each of Hull and Rovers. Say 9 between us. So then you need another 8 to field a single team, maybe 13 to make a squad, as opposed to ~35 makeweights required when running two academies.
There's a balance to be struck, but more isn't [inecessarily[/i better.

I thought they trained together and played separately was the plan?

One coach for 40 players is a lot. I thought theyd be bringing in attack/defence.

According to James Smales on twitter the RFL are pushing super academies but teams are not being forced to merge their setups.

That's pretty much what I've been hearing. Although I suspect it's merge/detach your academy now or get it forced on you by above later on.

Hull FC to merge with Cas Tigers Academy to cut down on travel costs ?

Didn't sit well with me, seems we are already putting the steps for a super academy in place, happier that we are going it alone if thats how it turns out

Good