Problem is you've got to make sure they're physically mature enough to hand the pressure put on their bodies at 16, 17, 18.

It's easier to blood someone of that age in a strong side when they're physically developed enough but to do it when they're not and straight into s struggling side is folly. There are some exceptions to the rule and are physically monsters Al la Sam Burgess, Andy Farrell, Leon Pryce etc. But on the whole it's to much to soon.

Last year was ideal to blood Brook, but we didn't take the opportunity for whatever reason, maybe he wasn't as I mentioned above physically mature enough although he did seem to hold his own at Keighley.

We as fans have to understand that playing against U19/U16s is a completely different ball game to playing vs seasons pros with hardened bodies intent on causing physical destruction of the opposition.

Bull Mania wrote:Thought I would put this here for anyone who wants to sponsor the walk that's raising money to renovate the Academy changing rooms http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/bradford-b ... renovation Looking at the state of that picture, it's a little worrying the club aren't willing to pay to redevelop them, rather than the fans having to stump up the money.

Bull Mania wrote:Thought I would put this here for anyone who wants to sponsor the walk that's raising money to renovate the Academy changing rooms http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/bradford-b ... renovation Looking at the state of that picture, it's a little worrying the club aren't willing to pay to redevelop them, rather than the fans having to stump up the money.

They're not core first team facilities so I guess not an immediate priority.

Whatever, they need fixing up and the young lads deserve better so I'll be chipping in.

I'd rather the club prioritise £10,000 on a SH. If Bullbuilder are willing to fund the renovation AND we have that £10,000 to go towards paying for a decent SH, i'm all for it.

Whilst I understand that, I'm not sure it fits the core principles of the Trust.

Don't get me wrong, I'm completely behind Bullbuilder. I've been a member since early days and will continue to be so while they are supporting the kids. But they've always been good at making sure they pay for things that the club wouldn't otherwise have paid for. To "make that difference" rather than just saving the club having to pay for it.

The state of those changing rooms to me, the club should be paying for that. Not that I'm blaming Bullbuilder at all, they'll no doubt look at it as "This needs doing and the club just aren't stepping up, so let's us do it!". But the club themselves look to be taking advantage to me.

Can't really argue HamsterChops. However if this is the only way they'll get fixed up then I'm happy to help given that they're specifically for the U16s and U19s.

Yeah and I think that's why Bullbuilder will have agreed to pay for it. Otherwise it just won't get done.

Our young lads defeated 2nd placed Wigan tonight 28-18. Well done all.

Diskin will be hard to replace as a coach for the academy.

Bradford Bulls U16s 70 v City of Hull Academy 4.

Wow.

Anyone know how the charity walk fared? Was the money raised to do up the academy training facilities?