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.

I agree. We need to put more money into grassroots level. Over here it's the penine league, and there are regular stories off teams failing to get players etc. The point I made about reserve sides is in an ideal world. Which we not at.

Some Australian reserve teams is through mergers, (St George, West Tigers etc). Alot aren't. As I understand it, alot of teams in the area are affiliated to a NRL team (ie North Queensland townships are affiliated to Brisbane). So they tend to have more than 1 team.
I agree really wouldn't want it like that in this league. Each team should be independent. Some of the problem is I really don't agree with the duel registration idea. I have no problem with loans etc, but disagree with a week to week bases idea.

I work in a local hotel. Christmas dosn't me that much. My dad lives in north Lancashire. And my mum died 2 years ago next Feb. So it's probably for the best I do work it.

Got my ticket for the Leeds game.

Also been looking at some York fixtures to get to. Didn't realise they also had Connor Robinson and Andy Ellis as well. If they had 4 duel registration players as well, could be 10 ex/current Rovers players on the pitch.

Anyone know where any other ex Rovers players are (preferably younger players), as I like to see how they doing. Know Hallett's at Batley. Guzdek's at Dewsbury (he's one I really thought could have made it). Ollet's at Newcastle I think?

On a similar note, matty beharrel has played for Swinton and Keighley in 2016 and 2017, and Sonny Esslemont played a handful of games for the Cougars in '16.

Talking of all of these ex players playing in the lower divisions it shows the club were right to release them even if us as fans at the time don't think it's the right decision

But some of that's down to not being given a chance at SL. As well as some players not being good enough.

Personally liked Ollett & Guzdek (who's been doing very well), and think they could have made it. The others put in a few good games but lacked consistency. James Green was in that mould, and am suprised Cas signed him. After all wasn't really tearing up trees at Leigh. Never saw Robinson play, though heard very good things about him.

I disagree if the players were good enough they'd be playing SL regardless whether it was with us granted some may develop later but you don't always have time to allow that unfortunately

It's a product of where we are. Not comfortable enough in the league to give them a run.
To be fair I like Oakes, think Lawler will be one hell of a player when he played in his proper position (sr/LF for me). And Sheens is bringing in quite a few younger players. Who we'll hopefully keep for a while.
And like I said Guzdek & Ollett were the 2 I was most disappointed to see leave.

I don't think there's ever such a thing as comfortable though, certainly no more than a couple of dead rubbers at the end of the season. And results mattering is a key attraction for top flight sport. When you're struggling you need wins to get away from the foot of the table, higher up you're fighting to get into or remain in contention. The first team is where you should play when you've developed, not where you become ready, IMO. It can be a bit catch-22, I admit.

Over 10 years of SL our player development didn't really deliver, I think it has to be admitted. With the odd exception. The criticism started laughably early, but tbh we seemed to go backwards over time in this area. Hopefully the current/next crop fare better than the last 2 or 3, and the CoHA works out well.

I'd say there's only Wigan and Leeds who bring players through in numbers from there academy's

Just like to wish everyone seasons greetings. And a happy new year

Bit more on former Rovers players.

Alex Brown (liked him when he played for us. Useless in defence but a quality finnisher), has signed for Bradford for next year. Scott Wheeldon, Keal Carlisle & Frankie Mariano are all at Featherstone. Josh Guzdek & Macauley Hallett are both at Dewsbury. Chris Heil & Sonny Esslemont are both at Hemel. And Omari Caro is now at London Skolars.

Got to say other than Guzdek, it's not hard to see why the club got rid of these players.

Bit off topic but is there an official club shop still in hull city Centre and is it open weekends? Cheers.