Mr. Zucchini Head wrote:I can see Balmforth getting a fair bit of game time this year. Nu Brown will probably chop and change a bit between the halves and hooker depending on injuries. So when he is playing in the halves I think Balmforth will be lined up to be the bench hooker spelling Houghton.

Tindall and McIntosh will start the season as the wingers but they both have a bit to prove. McIntosh improved a lot in the second half of last season but even with him I don't think it's a case of if he's fit he plays. Martin could definitely force his way in if he keeps performing well.

Chris71 wrote:I think the 9 spot will be fought out between Houghton, Balmforth and Smith, with Brown likely in the halves most of the season alongside Hoy and then Trueman when fit. Seems to remember hearing or reading something where Smith said Brown had been signed to play in the halves.

Chris71 wrote:It was always going to be more about the performance than the result to gauge in a game situation how they'd cope not just in skill/talent but both physically and mentally against a strong opponent.
I think it's shown that the investment in youth and the work done by Riding & Shenton and now Cummins in nurturing the talent is and has been worth it.
These players aren't going to be thrown in to SL level week in week out, but should the need arise due to possible injuries/suspensions then they'll be more prepared for it and it would hopefully only be one or two at a time.
We do need an much more competitive reserve league in the game though to help develop the talent and help bring the promising young players through from the youth to the senior game consistently and in bigger numbers.

Dave K. wrote:

Hopefully things go to plan and this could be our pivots at some point.

1 Walker
6 Hoy
7 Trueman
9 Houghton
13 Brown
14 Balmforth

bonaire wrote:

RFL missed a trick by not offering available League 1 places to several S/L clubs who want to have a meaningful weekly reserve fixture.
As more teams go out of business the addition of S/L clubs reserve sides in League 1 would have created that step up for younger players without having to go out on loan or duel reg and a pathway back for injured players without having to throw them in at the deep end when lacking match fitness

Dave K. wrote:Hopefully things go to plan and this could be our pivots at some point.

1 Walker
6 Hoy
7 Trueman
9 Houghton
13 Brown
14 Balmforth

Hasbag wrote:Trys from yesterday are on Bradford's YouTube channel now