Yes, he played a few games at fullback in the academy. I was talking to Kyle Amor about him when Eckersley was
on loan at Widnes. Amor reckons he would make a very good running second row.

I agree with all that. Maybe the idiots are simply uneducated and are incapable of having a reasoned discussion, hence they turn to inflammatory comments and swearing.

Why is it outstanding? Most SL teams have a similar amount of academy Products in their squad given that a SL squad is like 30 players

Nothing to crow about

He reminds me of a young Rads.

Thanks for the feedback.
He seems fast Eckersley but I’m unsure if he has the speed of thought or the fleetness of foot to play FB like French or Field.
A running second row is a bit of a rarity these days. I’m hoping that Nsemba can be that type of player over the next 4 or 5 years.
I’m hoping that Eckersley gets a few first team appearances in 2024.

It’s what I would expect from saints. Very commendable.
I’m not sure how but there is a need for further incentives for clubs who develop their own players.

18 home grown Academy products in your 2024 squad sound very good but it will only be OUTSTANDING if they actually step up and make the grade. If they fail to make the grade and you struggle during the season then it won't look as good. This is the same for any team not just Saints.

Just as a point of interest Wigan had sixteen home grown academy players out of an initial twenty-nine man first team squad for the 2023 season.

I wish other clubs would follow suit with Wigan and Saints anyway. Imagine how strong the league would be if everyone put as much effort in as Wigan, Saints and Leeds. It’s a mystery why they’ve won every first team Grand Final between them in the last 18 years (and plenty before).

Without a doubt this is not me saying "Oh look what Saints are doing that no-one else is" I'm well aware that Wigan and to a lesser extent Leeds do the same.

What I am surprised at though is the decision taken by Saints. We have been knocked off our perch and instead of trying to sign players to get back to the top, we are gambling on youth. Very similar to Utd and the Class of 92 lot.

Now clearly there is a big difference between football and rugby particularly from a physical point of view and 18 year old lads will struggle against fully grown men who have had years of strength & conditioning. Noah Stephens for example has looked outstanding at Academy Level but will be a world of difference at SL level. He may well not even play a game next season. However conversely, he will come on as a player as a full time professional so his body will change and get fitter too.

It tells me that Saints have little SC space to play with due to upgraded deals and back-ended contracts for the likes of Lees and Knowles for example.

Personally I think we as Saints fans are in for a couple of relatively lean years as the old guard moves on but if 2 or 3 of the new lot can turn into a Welsby, Lees, Knowles, Dodd or a Lomax then we will be in a good position in time.

Vaughan is the one that is certainly IMO the most highly rated at the club.