No, I don't think we do.
At the moment we have nothing to lose by playing Hookem over Reynolds.
Reynolds offers nothing going forward and is terrible in defence so even if Hookem struggles I don't see how we are worse off.

Exactly this and we make a contingency plan for if he was to struggle by making use of the bench. Even something like Joey at 9, Houghton on the bench then if Hookem struggles or tires we move Joey to 6 with Houghton in at 9. The only possible downside is it may knock his confidence but that's a risk with any player.

We will never know how good they are unless we give them a chance.
Yeamo had a nightmare debut but then ended up playing for GB.
Think it will reinvigorate supporters as well seeing someone given a chance.
Thought BH would be bolder but seems to go for the safe option at times. No doubt the injuries will be an excuse now not to drop senior players.

The playing of Johnstone over Balmforth is the decision I just can't understand, it was made clear he was surplus to requirements and he is playing over somebody who is way too good not to be playing first grade.

If Griffin is suspended hopefully Severs gets his chance from the bench.

Hull has an issue in which they over protect our young players. Firm believer in 'if they are good enough, they are old enough'. Yes they may not be physically developed to the optimum levels, but how will they get the experience if they are not given a chance?

How many times do Wigan, Saints and even credit to Leeds churn out these young players who end up holding their own in super league? We have one of the biggest and best pools of local talent in the game and id even go as far to say that it is wasted.

Balmorth for Johnstone is a prime example. A young, exciting player cant get in the side over a player who we was trying to shift during the winter. I praised Hodgson for giving the likes of Scott/Wynne/McNamara/Brown a chance, but I think its fair the likes of Balmorth, Severs, Litten and Hookem all get their chance.

It could be as simple as a salary cap thing. If we play Litten, Barron, Hookem - then their full salary (small as it may be) will count against the cap?

The Salary cap for a club applies to its top 25 earners.

So unless an Academy player is paid that rate, then it makes no difference.

Conversely, even if they don`t play 1st team games, an Academy player`s contract would still count on the cap, if they in the highest 25 paid contracts.

Even if we had cap issues, deregistering Cator would free up the necessary room.

I reckon it's more likely to be the conservatism of a coach whose job is far from safe who isn't ready to gamble his career on the maturity of 18 year olds.

I've not seen much of Staveley - what are his main qualities? He looks a big lad, so does he purely rely on strength?

He has skills and agility. If he didn't have legs like bollards he'd probably be a decent 6.

He scores a stand off's try around 1:10 in this video. The tackle attempt wasn't great but it shows he isn't just there for his size.

[urlhttps://twitter.com/hullfcofficial/status/1533856245886636034?t=JI8wGAkm8TIx_r75cks8cw&s=19[/url

He doesn't look out of place playing that 1st receiver role as you say, I think he will go back to being a 13 eventually. Know a few people involved in the junior set-up and all speak glowingly of him for the way he sets the standards in training and leads the way in the gym.

If the last 2 posts are true, then I am surprised he hasn't had a squad place at least so far this season. Sounds like he would perform better in the back row than JJ

He's had injury problems. If he stays fit I'd expect to seem him this year.

Yes played a few games them missed a couple a few times this season, so has really got going.

We have been pretty strong in the forwards having said that I still think he would have more than JJ at 13 or from the bench.

If anything happens to Fash or Brown I'd love to see Stavely on the bench.

I don't know how fit Severs is after his injury but I'd like to see him come in for Griff next week.

I think we both agree that Hookem is due a shot. Whitehaven have just signed a half on loan from Catalan so maybe we are getting him back.

I saw they have signed a couple of loan, hoping that means we have called him back and will use him unlike before when they called him back, then played him in the reserves.

I'm convinced if we continue to play our current halfs we will slide down the table and not finish in the play offs, the same might happen if we play Hookem and Balmforth, but at least we will have tried something different and given them much needed experience.

Will never forget Yeamans debut

And if it doesn't work out playing these youngsters the fans would be more forgiving than continuing with players who are clearly no longer good enough and will not be here next season.

You mean SOME fans. Not sure all would agree. I do though

Jude Ferreira was named in the Wales squad for the weekend but the club haven't mentioned it. Feels like his time with FC is at an end.

So we carry on playing out of form Gale and Reynolds

Just to be safe against Hookem or whoever replaced them playing badly.

Madness

Gale and Reynolds if not injured will start next game

Academy still unbeaten.

Wakey 10 - 30 FC.

Well done lads.

With the massive changes that will be occurring at the club, this group of 18s will be the 1st age group to have a clear pathway and early integration to the first team environment. I really believe the things we have coming will give us the ability to bring the best kids from around the country into our system.

Or moved out haha

Just seen the tries. Brilliant solo effort for the last one by Balmforth.