Quote: luke ShipleyRed "Personally i think all SL sides should have a reserve team, add in most Championship sides it could become a Competitive league. Not just because it gives academy players a step up. And some players develop & add further skills later. But also for injured players returning, . To many players are lost to the game because we don't provide a decent step up.
This is one of the reasons that Australia are better than us, as from youth to first team. There's a logical stepping up process, and a competitive 1st & 2nd level.'"
If money were no object, then I agree it would be desirable. However, in terms of priorities I'd put it behind investing in the grassroots of the game and making another modest increase in the SL salary cap widely affordable.
In terms of Australia, I agree they have a more rational system for youth development than we do. But their current reserve grade was born through mergers and small clubs becoming feeder clubs to the NRL sides, as I understand it. I'm not advocating that, and I want York to remain independent - but surely this is a small step in the direction the Aussies went some time ago.