Dave K. wrote:I reckon even with the merger the above type of players will come through (hopefully more) and they will be better prepared like Saints, Leeds and Wigan youngsters seem to be.
But Leeds, Saints and Wigan youngsters apparent better preparation isn't really from what happens in the u16's or u19's. There's only so much you can do with part time players (which they are) seeing them only 2/3 times a week.
I think Leeds conditioning/sports science is significantly better than either Hull clubs (from what I've heard) but I think there are 2 far bigger factors:
1. A supremely professional attitude throughout the club - this filters down from the management and the first team and is expected of the academy players.
2. A good transition from u19's to first team - Leeds u19's aren't rushed into the first team. They are given plenty of DR time with Hunslet or sent out on loan, both crucially playing against men. When U19's players are needed for the first team due to injury etc they aren't expected to perform exactly like a regular first teamer. They are given help and guidance by the leaders in the team and are generally given a mentor. Also, the forwards who step up from the u19's aren't expected to do long minutes in games. They are eased in gently over a few seasons, see Singleton, Mulhern, Yates etc.
Also at Leeds they don't pack muscle onto the u19's. They keep them very much away from weights until they're 19 years old. So whilst they might struggle a bit initially with the physicality of the game, you're less likely to see the kind of drop off a season or so later that seems to happen with Hull lads.
It is nothing more than a cost cutting exercise because all the benefits ie better coaching, better facilities etc can be obtained by spending more money on the academy. There is no need to merge. Just to spend more money on the academy itself and on the amateur game in Hull. Leeds have been spending lots of money on trying to improve participation and the quality of coaching in the amateur and schools game in Leeds since the Leeds Foundation was established. Hull need to do the same.