I'm sure Tommy as already said he's playing on next season.

I don’t think it would would hence I’m in favour or a compulsory reserve grade.

Me neither mate far too much grey area surrounding. I think it's ridiculous that all SL don't have reserves personally. Especially when clubs like us (Bulls), Halifax and Keighley put sides out. I think Halifax have seen quite a few lads work their way through reserves to first team. Shows it can be done

1) Definately

2) Absolutely no chance of this. This could never ever be considered in any capacity whatsoever. It would kill the amateur game and a lot of clubs would rebel and breakaway.

I don’t get this sudden idea of making amateur clubs feeder teams. Why are we actively wanting to destroy the backbone to the game? It makes no sense whatsoever, utterly ridiculous notion that shouldn’t be considered in any shape or form.

It should be compulsory for all top level clubs to run an academy side. It’s bloody criminal it was ever put as non compulsory.

To be fair you will know better than me, I'm involved heavily with the amateur game but not as a player (couldn't tackle a Sunday dinner

). I'd prefer the system you propose, but clearly the clubs can't or won't pay for it, so we have SL fringe players sat not playing any rugby, meanwhile amateur clubs are struggling for players. I don't even mean just the smaller ones either. Blackbrook folded, Ince are struggling to fulfil fixtures, loads of Widnes teams have gone. Do you not think this would be a way to catch late bloomers also? A 25 year old who is killing it in the NCL amongst SL fringe players might have more chance of being noticed by an SL/Championship club, as opposed to having the door shut on him at 20 as is currently the case.

nothing wrong in making a suggestion, even if some disagree!



Possibly a way to get late bloomers but there are players from the NCL and even the North West Men’s League picked up by L1 and Championship clubs. Martyn Ridyard for example was picked up by Leigh when I played at LMR First Team and going further back Sam Gee and Chris Tuson picked up by Wigan when I was at St Pats moving from u18s to first team.

Much more recently two lads from Ashton were picked up by Swinton Lions when they were in L1 and one continued with them into the Championship before having to leave due to work. This season a player from Ashton returned to Barrow and played there for a few games. I know of one player from Folly Lane also picked up by Swinton and is playing quite regularly now.

So it does happen with players being picked up, I’m not aware of any SL clubs picking up an “older” amateur player - perhaps someone else does.