That's why I think he was being harsh, as he wasn't (or at least didn't seem to me as if he was) simply saying that they aren't good enough now and that we don't have the fringe players capable of coming in, he was pretty much saying that most of the players in our 18s [iwill never be[/i good enough. That is quite a big thing to be making public IMO, and pretty unfair on them to do so. And the concern that I keep coming back to is that in a year or 18 months or so's time, if we haven't 'plugged the gap' as he says, we may need some of these to do a job for a few games at a time. After hearing these comments they may think they'd have a better chance at a new club now anyway, and such is the nature of sport that the better ones will find alternatives easier, so we could end up even more threadbare at that age group than he already thinks we are now.

Should this not be on the AP talks to humberside thread ?

Any way back to rumours .... Is benji still coming ?

Was told yesterday the Broughy deal was done, still don't believe it.

After it being rubbished by McRae a couple of months back, I refuse to believe it. Things change, though, and I hope it comes off.

Is Brough the new Sculthorpe? Maybe someone should take a trip to DeVries Honda and check if they've got his new car in stock.

It would be if he had said it but unless my version was edited I really think that is one hell of an extrapolation of what was actually said.

it's AP's train set, it's refreshing to have some honesty.

Not every age group throws up the same level of talent. AP believes the 16s are a special group and is shouting about it, nothing wrong with that, and they may be getting special attention too.
The players in the 18s who felt they needed to improve have just had a firecracker put up them from the big boss and now the whole group will or should respond to that.
The 20s have already been cherry picked and now only late developers will have a future (if at all). Thats the deal, theres no guarantees and never can be, and its talent/potential related. Its hard but either your in or your out based on that criteria. If a player who was "average" can suddenly start performing then I'm sure he too will be ring fenced, its always in the players hands.
APs total honesty is unusual however I find it refreshing, and at least we and his staff know where we are and we just have to get used to it. personally I really like his open and honest approach. He's not closed the door on any individual but he has given all individuals in the 18s something to think about.

Have you seen the 18's play? They are shocking.

Rich Wilkinson/James Cunningham are the only ones worth keeping.

Rich Wilkinson plays for the 20's now, and only plays for the 18's when the 20's aren't playing.

What about Rob Wildon's eldest?

Plays in the 20's along with his cousin Ryan Wilson who is an outstanding prospect.

So the reason why the u18's are is because all their better players are already playing in the 20's?

Yet some of them have got another chance and will play for the 20s next season, for example Brad Smith.

Are we in for Bateman? viewtopic.php?f=17&t=531596&tsmp=1341240061

Are we in for Bateman? viewtopic.php?f=17&t=531596&tsmp=1341240061

Quote ="Sheldon"Are we in for Bateman? viewtopic.php?f=17&t=531596&tsmp=1341240061'" We should be. Cracking player and only 18.

Quote ="Sheldon"Are we in for Bateman? viewtopic.php?f=17&t=531596&tsmp=1341240061'" We should be. Cracking player and only 18.

I really hope we are in for Bateman, imo he will be an absolute star. I still think he will probably end up at Warrington but I'm hoping Lynch will have an influence.

Quote ="Sheldon"Are we in for Bateman? viewtopic.php?f=17&t=531596&tsmp=1341240061'" Would be a great signing and another signal of intent by AP and PG.

Quote ="Sheldon"Are we in for Bateman? viewtopic.php?f=17&t=531596&tsmp=1341240061'" Would be a great signing and another signal of intent by AP and PG.

Would be more impressed with us signing bateman than when we signed ellis. warrington seem hell bent on getting him so to get him would be a great piece of business

we are definately in for bateman.............................and whitehead

Happily let tickle go if we get both.

Add in paea and another prop and we'd be looking very strong in the forwards

Bateman will go to Wire, but I'd like to think were at least in for him. Whitehead would be just as good a signing imo.

Only just made the step up.

Would be very happy with that!

elliot whitehead is an awsome player, would like tom burgess too but think he will go and play in oz with his brothers.

Can see us definaly getting one of them , just the way Pearson was talking yesterday it seemed as though we'd signed at least one from the bulls . If its true about tickle going id like whitehead to replace him . Wouldn't say no to batemen either though .