Like Edgell but where is he going to come thru at Leeds? Wont be at 1 or 6. Same with most of these lads. Gatus is highly fancied and a very good runner but will he make it at Leeds?

Covid is going to impact RL for many years, the kids just arent there anymore, which puts Leeds in a strong position going forward cos we have kids already in the 1st team squad. The fact that clubs are asking players to play on amateur deals now shows the level of commitment to the junior game at a time when it should be more important than ever.

Our 16s and 17s went unbeaten last year but the standard was dreadful and its only going to get worse. Our 16s and 17s played poorly and won most games comfortably.

The problems / challenges at youth level are probably indicative of the wider strategic problems of the whole game. There are some positive signs - I think the progress of York is great, it's a decent catchment area with nice facilities and good transport links. Far easier to grow the game in areas adjacent to where it already exists.

Also good that the French game is coming along - funny how the South of France situation in some ways mirrors the North of England.

We need that unified governance and strategy across the whole sport.

Im a bit more optimistic, next years u16's group are much better than this years u16's were, theres a handful of very good players at Leeds and a few very good ones that went elsewhere.

Watching the Yorkshire youth leagues the talents still there imo, not as many playing the game on the whole unfortunately, but the good players are are still playing. Theres some dreadful coaching but cant be too critical of anyone who gives up there spare time.

Regarding making it at Leeds, its too early to write players off or pencil players in imo, these lads are 16 and 17, loads can change at first team level and in there development in the next few year that provides an oppurtunity. Right now they're the elite among there peers in most these lads cases so for now they just need to continue doing what they're doing and working hard.

Happy with these signings, now just waiting to see what our next Scholorship intake looks like.

Fair points. Im not as optimistic i have to say.

It might well be the case that most of the top talent does still find its way into the game, even if we have fewer participants overall. The girls’ game seems to be doing well.

Personally I’ve been really pleased over the last few years. Gannon, Sinfield, Edwards, Simpson all look terrific prospects and there are others in the teenager class.

I'm sure Edwards will get a few chances this coming season maybe even more if we our centres suffer long injuries.

I hope he kicks on. Coming through the ranks he looked head and shoulders above just about everyone else, but it’s that physical development required to make it at elite level too…

He is very good at busting the line, even in quite heavy traffic. Would be great to see more of him.

He looks like he's put some size on this last season. If he didn't get his chance at centre i would no hesitation playing him on the wing if needed.

I think the fact that Leeds, Saint and Wigan have maxed out (7) on their non fed quota trained players for next season says a lot?

Dont think it says anything regarding the current standard of the 16's / 17's and whats to come in future years. Says more about the standard of youth in our systems 5,6,7 year ago if anything.