Quote: Beverley red "Having listened to Rimmer on SKY tonight, I am even more worried. I may have misunderstood but he was saying that we can run an academy but it won’t have elite status? What does elite status mean? Will any lads that stay with us be allowed to play representative games/ overseas tours? Who will they play & in what competition?
Will the best local lads even come to us
We will be back where we were before the return to super league, losing kids to FC. & as I have said before why was FC academy chosen above ours as until last year it was a joint set up FC is no more established than ours. Worrying times.'"
The RFL have suggested to/reminded clubs that they can still have development academies, which would play against teams from further education colleges.
While I have nothing but respect and admiration for the people involved in those colleges and development academies and it is a good option for some clubs (I’ve seen Barrow Raiders highlighted as an example), I don’t think it would be a good fit for Hull KR’s current circumstances.
The danger was always going to that the decision would be based on elite players produced over the last few years, rather than promise for the future and of a fresh start. Unfortunately, Hull’s record isn’t very good but ours is worse and we’ve all seen how easy it can be to scoff at promises when it comes to improving or replacing stadia in the Calder region, for example.
On the terms of this decision and within RFL defined guidance and parameters, Hull KR will be shafted if the decision isn’t reversed. However, as I said earlier, I think it could open up other opportunities if leadership at the club are open to them.
