It also puts a tick back in the 'homegrown' box regardless of what Stevo says on telly!

That had crossed my mind, can anyone confirm as to whether he'd count as a homegrown player?

I don't see why not.

He came through our youth system, the same as Myler and Sidlow if I'm not mistaken so he should count as one of our 'products'.

Regardless of where he plays or ends up, he/they started out at Widnes.

To count as homegrown, he would have had to have been at Widnes for 3 years before his 21st birthday - I think he would count.

so on your theory we can include myler in our home grown talent?? er no! its players who started and remained through the youth system, not started played well and were sold to highest bidder

If you are a Salford fan, then that is exactly the PR spin that your club has been trying to put on Myler, Sidlow, Nash etc!!!!

During the next licence application Widnes would be absolute fools not to make some reference to him and where he came from.

What are you talking about? The sitution you have described applies to both Myler and Nash. They are both local lads who came through the system to earn a place in the 1st team squad. It wasn't as if we just got them from another club then played them for a year or so and then claimed they were home grown. I think Sidlow would also count as home grown as he also came through the youth system (although I believe he did start off at Wigan at some point). Sidlow was certainly in our u18's in 2005 + 2006 and was still with us in 2007 when he went on loan if I remember.

The way I grade it is if they have come through your aacdemy... at least under 18 level and then made a first team debut for your team!

I.E. NO matter how old you are once you have made your PROFESSIONAL debut for 1 club you cannot be home grown for another!

Like Deacon Oldham / Bulls I think whereas Sinfield doesn't count as Oldham but Leeds?

As other replies have stated, my theory is one which is correct and also applies common sense

Widnes took these lads into their youth system from junior teams and developed their talent to such an extent that they were able to be selected for first team rugby. They did well enough to attract the attentions of teams in higher divisions and were well within their rights (and also well within their bounds of self betterment) to ply their trade at a higher level with a higher wage.

I'm certain that Widnes would not have wanted these lads to move on but ultimately couldn't and probably wouldn't hold these lads back. As a club, Widnes would have been total idiots not to sell them on to the highest bidder.

Why sell them on to the lowest bidder .