New academy behind the east stand and new south stand with educational facilities I've been told. Big chunk of grant funding

If it takes as long as the North Stand, it'll be years off. Until then, it's jam tomorrow and not really a robust basis for allocating elite academy status. As AS says, though, this is the RFL, who knows what they'll use to make the decision. Would be a big call to give it to Rovers over FC given the recent independent scoring review.

Putting all rivalry aside the idea that regionalised academies could result in one club having a monopoly of local talent is patently ridiculous.

Changes to Super League structure require a two thirds majority and believe it or not Rovers, Wakefield et al get a vote.

The Kingston upon Hull academy will provide players for both clubs depending on their preference. As ever it will in most cases be about who makes the best offer.

Where will it be?

Of course.



Draft?

I agree, stupid idea but your last point is interesting - will rovers benefit from Hull's spend? Could free up cash for rovers to spend on player contracts rather than wasting it on coaches, travel etc.

I understand the likes of wakey etc are keen on the 12 to 8 format as they will probably have more competitive games that they will probably win

Not really, it's a indicator on were to improve.

What is this flawed rational to which you refer?

It is clear you do not agree with the findings so are choosing instead to ignore them. Convenient, but a foolish tack. A wise man acts on identified weaknesses that affect the long term underpinning of his business. Lets hope Hudgell demonstrates wisdom instead of the ostrich method you advocate.

The flaws in the RFLs criteria are....?

Yes really

you know, i've always though some form of draft will come to superleague at some point in time, maybe not for the young players but certainly for free agents and restricted free agents

can't see how it would work for young players, unless the elite academies are equally funded and each academy puts forward an equal number of eligible players. i suppose the ultimate alternative is to have academies not tied to any clubs ran centrally picking out the best young players in each region, a sort of central contract system for youngsters (this might also help to head off union poachers). clubs could then continue to run second tier academies and the draft system would then apply to the elite youngsters, along with free agents

all pie in the sky really but i can see the draft coming at some point in some form or other

so IF fc foot the main costs, its only right and fair we get to cherry pick!

Can anybody really see the two academy systems merging when Rovers are creating their own facilities behind the east stand and Hull FC are spending money at Bishop Burton. My view of the whole thing will be that Hull will be awarded an Elite academy status and Rovers will continue to run the academy in a similar way to how it's run now but with a few more staff and better facilities.