It was always the most staggering decision to close down a proven player pathway. And then the imbecile doubling down on the decision with his trademark brash gibberish.

Excellent news!

Does this mean we get central funding to help run our academy, if so how much?

No.

All Elite Academies have to be self funded ever since the disastrous Robert Elstone years saw the sport lose over £16M in yearly broadcast rights.

The plus side is that it puts Bradford, London and Newcastle at a massive advantage in becoming a Category A club because of the Elite Academy status.

This will more than likely see Bradford pick up the full 2.5 points available for Community and Talent Pathway.

Bradford will also benefit in the finance column because the money they spend on their academy will be offset as money used to fund and develop the club.

It’s good news.

After a grim week, this IMO is the best news we have had for some time. Congratulations to those involved.

https://www.rugby-league.com/governance/rules-and-regulations/disciplinary/disciplinary-cases Thankfully this doesn’t impact the licence. 3 grade F charges for Bulls players vs London. 2 players get 7 matches, one gets 9. Lesson learned, hopefully.

https://www.rugby-league.com/governance/rules-and-regulations/disciplinary/disciplinary-cases Thankfully this doesn’t impact the licence. 3 grade F charges for Bulls players vs London. 2 players get 7 matches, one gets 9. Lesson learned, hopefully.

Page 2, near the bottom

I haven't seen the incident, but the way it reads, 3 of our lads ganged up on one of theirs, and smacked him repeatedly including when he wasn't looking. There's playing it hard, and then there's been a "sh!thouse".

Regarding the first point, it doesn't put Bradford, London or Newcastle at a "massive advantage" in any realistic sense does it, as none of those three teams will be anywhere near a Category A club in the near future.

As for your second point, has this been misreported everywhere else I have seen it? The 2.5 points you are quoting for "Community and Talent Pathway" - all I have seen is that the former "Catchment" category, which was worth 2 points, is now known as "Community" and allocated 2.5 points, with 1 point available for Foundation work, and 1.5 points for the Catchment Area. I have seen nothing in any of the reports that suggests having Elite Academy status scores any points at all, other than being a prerequisite for any club wanting category A status. The Bulls Talent Pathway is part of the Foundation for sure, just like similar schemes at other clubs will be, but linking Elite Academy status to getting 2.5 points seems wide of the mark (especially as 1.5 of those 2.5 points are still down to the catchment area).