R.B.A wrote:Great to see that when the under 18s season resumes this weekend Rovers have earned a place in the elite "A" group along with Wigan, Leeds, Saints and Widnes.
The biggest indicator of a sucessful Academy system is obviously going to be the number of kids that reach the first team, but given that Rovers are only in their 3rd season of running an Academy side, at this stage it is only going to be small number that come through.
What is impressive at Rovers is the measures that we have undertaken in order produce our own stars.

For instance our link up with Hymers has already seen Sam Latus come through all 3 grades and make his first team debut. We have numerous other Hymers students across our junior grades.
Our work in Grimsby has now seen the first player sign Scholorship and Academy forms.
Moves are afoot to send some of our top Academy prospects across to Australia in the off-season after seeing the benefits that the Latus brothers enjoyed during their stay with Parramata.
Martin Dunn is putting the finishing touches to tie in our partnerships with Scottish and Nottingham rugby league with a unique link up with the Hull University.

These initiatives, together with our current Academy sides placing, should surely see the club tick the box alongside "contribution to junior development" and make people think twice before criticising Rovers commitment to producing our own players.



Good to hear, this, as we all know is the real way to progress.

The Eclipse wrote:When did the Latus brothers train with Parramatta ?

R.B.A wrote:snip.

Mild Rover wrote:I see you've predicted, on the other forum, deals for Cox, Sheriffe, Bell, Joe Gay, Green and Peterson.
Do you see a future at HKR for the likes of Mariano, Spaven etc?

Is it £50k on players outside the top 25 earners? Teams like Saints that have a number 33 (Paul Johnson, 2 sub appearances in 2010) - are those last 8 essentially part-time and semi pro? £50k between 8 is just over £6k each - you'd definately need a proper job too.

R.B.A wrote:There will be gaps opened up for the players that i mentioned. I dont expect Beaumont, Mariano or Spaven to be given new deals unless something sparkling happens in the next 7 matches. I'Anson wont get a new deal. James Haynes is still getting paid by Rovers, so that money will be freed up next season. Both Latus brothers have been offered scholorships at Loughborough University starting this September. Sam probably wont go now but i reckon Jack will.
That is potentially 6 or 7 places opened up.
With regards the 50k rule, you can pay the kids outside your 25 as much as you want, you just cant play them in the first team once the 50k limit has been reached. Some of them wont be ready next season anyway or just wont get the chance because of the form of others so it wont be an issue.