Scrapping the U20s Competition

[shaunedwardsfanclub]

Is this the way forward for the game or have the RFL bosses made a massive blunder?

Is this going to help us catch-up with the Aussies or is it just a financial decision to help struggling SL teams?

What impact will this have at Wigan? What do we do with players that have turned 19?

Will it give us a more competitive SL or will the gap getter bigger between those who do and those who don't have a good junior set-up?

How will 'over-aged' players regain match fitness following injury e.g. Fielden?

Let's have your views!

[shaunedwardsfanclub]

One other point, is the tail wagging the dog?

[markill]

It will all depend on what links SL clubs forge with thise lower level clubs that have no SL license ambitions.

To be honest, the 20s competition is poor and hasn't been up to much since dual reg was brought in when the most promising youngsters started to get a go at Champ / Champ 1 clubs that is probably a better stage to learn more about them on than the 20s.

The move is to the benefit of clubs who can't afford to keep as many full time players on the books and some aging veterans may suffer as a result - not just those in SL but journey man pros lower down might struggle to get a deal at a club that finds it more affordable to have an SL prospect on dual reg instead.

[shaunedwardsfanclub]

It will all depend on what links SL clubs forge with thise lower level clubs that have no SL license ambitions.

To be honest, the 20s competition is poor and hasn't been up to much since dual reg was brought in when the most promising youngsters started to get a go at Champ / Champ 1 clubs that is probably a better stage to learn more about them on than the 20s.

The move is to the benefit of clubs who can't afford to keep as many full time players on the books and some aging veterans may suffer as a result - not just those in SL but journey man pros lower down might struggle to get a deal at a club that finds it more affordable to have an SL prospect on dual reg instead.

Maybe the U20s competition should have been replaced by a reserve side comp with no limitations due to age etc.

[markill]

It will all depend on what links SL clubs forge with thise lower level clubs that have no SL license ambitions.

To be honest, the 20s competition is poor and hasn't been up to much since dual reg was brought in when the most promising youngsters started to get a go at Champ / Champ 1 clubs that is probably a better stage to learn more about them on than the 20s.

The move is to the benefit of clubs who can't afford to keep as many full time players on the books and some aging veterans may suffer as a result - not just those in SL but journey man pros lower down might struggle to get a deal at a club that finds it more affordable to have an SL prospect on dual reg instead.

Maybe the U20s competition should have been replaced by a reserve side comp with no limitations due to age etc.

maybe, and i was thinking about that because one benefit of u20s was injured senior players could get a run out - but not sure how competitive the reserve grade would be (look at football reserves that are basically juniors anyway) and not sure if that is financially sensible as it may lead to clubs holding more older players on the books than they can afford.

[shaunedwardsfanclub]

It will all depend on what links SL clubs forge with thise lower level clubs that have no SL license ambitions.

To be honest, the 20s competition is poor and hasn't been up to much since dual reg was brought in when the most promising youngsters started to get a go at Champ / Champ 1 clubs that is probably a better stage to learn more about them on than the 20s.

The move is to the benefit of clubs who can't afford to keep as many full time players on the books and some aging veterans may suffer as a result - not just those in SL but journey man pros lower down might struggle to get a deal at a club that finds it more affordable to have an SL prospect on dual reg instead.

Maybe the U20s competition should have been replaced by a reserve side comp with no limitations due to age etc.

maybe, and i was thinking about that because one benefit of u20s was injured senior players could get a run out - but not sure how competitive the reserve grade would be (look at football reserves that are basically juniors anyway) and not sure if that is financially sensible as it may lead to clubs holding more older players on the books than they can afford.

If it did away with dual registrations then it could/would be more competitive, but I do agree there could be financial implications.

[cpwigan]

Terrible decision based on finance above all else.

Below first team level the existing system was ok. Perhaps the age (20) should have been raised to 21 and even more important lots of representative RL between the best players of each age group.

[josie andrews]

Terrible decision based on finance above all else.

Below first team level the existing system was ok. Perhaps the age (20) should have been raised to 21 and even more important lots of representative RL between the best players of each age group.

:eusa2: :eusa2:

If the RFL carry on there won't be any academy sides

[doc]

Totally agree with CPW. Forced through by short sighted representatives of some of the smaller, less ambitious clubs from the other side of the Pennines. Doesn't help improve coaches at the lower level either as they will no longer be learning how to develop their own young players.

[cpwigan]

A lot more young players will find their way to Union sadly Josie

In terms of the RL I think the Academy issue reflects the fact we have too many clubs purporting to be full time and elite. Far better to have a smaller elite competition and more part time clubs in the divisions below IMO. Elite clubs should be required to run more Academy teams not less IMO.