It could be as simple as a salary cap thing. If we play Litten, Barron, Hookem - then their full salary (small as it may be) will count against the cap?

The Salary cap for a club applies to its top 25 earners.

So unless an Academy player is paid that rate, then it makes no difference.

Conversely, even if they don`t play 1st team games, an Academy player`s contract would still count on the cap, if they in the highest 25 paid contracts.

Even if we had cap issues, deregistering Cator would free up the necessary room.

I reckon it's more likely to be the conservatism of a coach whose job is far from safe who isn't ready to gamble his career on the maturity of 18 year olds.

I've not seen much of Staveley - what are his main qualities? He looks a big lad, so does he purely rely on strength?

Irregs#16 wrote:I've not seen much of Staveley - what are his main qualities? He looks a big lad, so does he purely rely on strength? He has skills and agility. If he didn't have legs like bollards he'd probably be a decent 6. He scores a stand off's try around 1:10 in this video. The tackle attempt wasn't great but it shows he isn't just there for his size. https://twitter.com/hullfcofficial/status/1533856245886636034?t=JI8wGAkm8TIx_r75cks8cw&s=19

Irregs#16 wrote:I've not seen much of Staveley - what are his main qualities? He looks a big lad, so does he purely rely on strength? He has skills and agility. If he didn't have legs like bollards he'd probably be a decent 6. He scores a stand off's try around 1:10 in this video. The tackle attempt wasn't great but it shows he isn't just there for his size. https://twitter.com/hullfcofficial/status/1533856245886636034?t=JI8wGAkm8TIx_r75cks8cw&s=19

He doesn't look out of place playing that 1st receiver role as you say, I think he will go back to being a 13 eventually. Know a few people involved in the junior set-up and all speak glowingly of him for the way he sets the standards in training and leads the way in the gym.

If the last 2 posts are true, then I am surprised he hasn't had a squad place at least so far this season. Sounds like he would perform better in the back row than JJ

He's had injury problems. If he stays fit I'd expect to seem him this year.

Yes played a few games them missed a couple a few times this season, so has really got going.

We have been pretty strong in the forwards having said that I still think he would have more than JJ at 13 or from the bench.

If anything happens to Fash or Brown I'd love to see Stavely on the bench.

I don't know how fit Severs is after his injury but I'd like to see him come in for Griff next week.

I think we both agree that Hookem is due a shot. Whitehaven have just signed a half on loan from Catalan so maybe we are getting him back.