We showed with Rich Wilkinson last season that if given the opportunity, they can go on to become very good players. Wilkinson definitely showed that, and its something which I feel we've done well in recent seasons, taking in youngsters from SL and other Championship clubs who may not have had the opportunity to play first team, and give them the opportunity to play.

I suppose the club has decided that spending a decent chunk of their available wage bill on three or four quality players is less desirable than investing in seven or eight youngsters who are eager to learn and show what they can do.

We do have a decent track record of improving young players and bringing them on. I don't have a problem with this approach but ...

I can't help but think that we need a couple more proven players of similar ability to Steve Snitch to give the team the correct balance between experience and youth, probably in the prop/second row department.

Nobody banged on about Wilko more than me. I could tell he had what it took when we went to Aldershot and he played vs the Army team.
However not all youngsters achieve their potential like Wilko is doing.
Generally you can tell if someone has the class, and if they do, Paul Cooke is the man to develop it.
So if Paul Cooke reckons someone has the class to make it with the Dons that's enough for me anyday.

COYD

You're right there mate ......
Bringing on youngsters is fine but takes time and there is no guarantee they won't just bugger off when they are up to speed.
No side without a good blend of mature experience players to guide the youngsters around the park is ever going to win anything.
So I am afraid that sides do have to buy in some already successful players whether they want to or not.
Also we are owned by the Rovers, they control finances now .... we may have our own philosophy but they call the shots.
That doesn't mean that Carl is not the man guiding us, because he is.

COYD

Mark Castle reportedly signed for Hunslet www.loverugbyleague.com/news_165 ... astle.html While he'd not had the same impact this year as the previous season I still felt he could have done a job for us

Mark Castle reportedly signed for Hunslet www.loverugbyleague.com/news_165 ... astle.html While he'd not had the same impact this year as the previous season I still felt he could have done a job for us

Yea surprised at that one, good luck at Hunslet.

very unexpected a player i always thought gave 100%

I've always like Cas. I thought we always looked a more potent force going forwards with him on the field last season. He always tried hard for us and never let us down. Sad to see him go.

He's left a hole that definitely needs filling.

Good luck at Hunslet mate!

I liked Cas but thought he could have got himself fitter , anyway good luck Mark !

7.8125:10