Because they didnt last time did they? It will be kids, Fev players and trialists. Possibility of Walker playing a game or 2 to ease back in but no way will Myler and co turn up at Stanningley to play against a kids team.





?

Classic case of self-fulfilling prophecy this isn't it? Clubs know or suspect other clubs won't populate their reserves side with quality, therefore they don't, and other clubs see that and so they don't - result: race to the bottom.



Our first choice reserves side would be at least Championship standard.



It sounds to me like these decisions are based more on cost-cutting than absolute player development. Then again, when you have a bolter like Holroyd or Gannon they come pretty much straight through to first grade. I guess we simply can't justify the cost of supporting all the players we would like to.



I do think this needs to be under constant review, it's hard enough identifying and developing new talent and we need to do everything we can to encourage it. Maybe less money spent on over-their-prime NRL players and more invested in grass roots - paying Academy lads a decent wage would be a start. Pie in the sky maybe.

It`s ok Marty I meant Thompson.

I`m having a bad memory day!

I agree.

What`s the point having 10 reasonably decent players kicking about and not getting tested in any way.

A second string of first teamers and those near to the first team squad should be played in the reserves against equally skilful first team squad members from other clubs.

The games should also be played before or after the first team games on the same day/night.

Personally I liked Academy games as curtain raisers and then separate “A”-team games.

I quite enjoy the Academy games as a curtain raiser before the big one.

But if all teams played as near to the first team squad players in their reserves I`m sure it would bring in some additional revenue even if its from food and drink.

Or, if the reserve team was good enough, you might get hundreds turn up on another night/day. Maybe those who have work commitments on match day etc.



I don’t think Reserves games would add much revenue as a curtain raiser.

Good point as long as they play at Headingley and not Stanningley maybe.

Yep you could maybe play at the weekend rather than a Friday night, give fans an option. Some eager beavers might attend both, some might attend reserves if you can’t get to the first grade match.



Could improve the streaming / subscription offer too, I don’t imagine reserve grade would be subject to any broadcast restrictions.



This is only possible if reserve grade is decent quality though.

You couldn't afford to play these games in isolation at Headingley

Anyone in the 19’s good enough to step up fill in/ take their chance if Sezar or Austin are missing. Great opportunity for two young players next year to be 3rd and 4th choice halfs.

Not to my mind yet mate. The best ones are Kai Morgan and Jack Sinfield but both are under-done physically. Much more likely we’d use first graders Myler, Leeming, Sutcliffe as cover.

Has Corey Johnson been playing 7 at York this last season, maybe thats another option if needed.

Ben Shiels has left the club to join Sheffield Eagles.

Good for him. Much nearer to home. Kid used to travel for hours to get to Leeds on the train from Derbyshire. Hes at Sheff Uni now so perfect move for him.



Good luck to him.

Coby Nichol and Ajahni Wallace join Bradford Bulls from Leeds Rhinos

Sounds like permanent deals, albeit 1 year initially.



Fair enough, both good players but maybe not with quite enough going for them at this stage in their careers.



Good signings for Bradford though.



Sounds like some tough calls being made behind the scenes this off-season.

Thought you was Championing AJ for a 1st team spot next year Jimbo?

I thought he might get an appearance or two yes, but looks like the club agrees with you that he’s just not got the frame for it.



Or maybe Muizz is too similar a type but more experienced.



Either way good luck to him at Bulls.

Very interesting times ahead for the U18s with the fixtures being confirmed as well as Reserve fixtures.

Both only 18 so it’s a big call to make but with no under 20’s the pathway isn’t ideal. Hope they both go well at the Bulls

Former academy player Iwan Stephens named in England u-20s squad in union. Did seem odd when we released him, always looked good in academy highlights. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... 630904.amp

Former academy player Iwan Stephens named in England u-20s squad in union. Did seem odd when we released him, always looked good in academy highlights. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... 630904.amp

Jack Sinfield, Oli Field and Levi Edwards play for reserves tomorrow night v Newcastle Thunder.



Kyle Trout & Tom Holmes drafted in from Featherstone, Rain Rowley drafted in from Hunslet, Charley Bodman & Oli Burton drafted in from Batley Bulldogs.



Rest of squad chosen after training tonight.

Rhinos' team is: Edgell, Bridgeman-Reaney, J Smith, Simpson, Turner, Sinfield, Holmes, Hird, Burton, Trout, Edwards, Salkeld, Rowley. Subs Morgan, Higgins, Aldridge, Bodman.

Where do reserves play at? Headingley or Stanningley or elsewhere?