Academy disbanded.Another nail in the coffin.Funding reduced by 43% due to administration. The Rule legacy goes on.
It seems to be that the RFL reducing funding by 43% is the main reason. In any event, it seems after 2021 only SL clubs will get Academy licences. A bit short-sighted really as they should be developing pathways into the game for young people, not reducing the opportunities. I guess there will be a lot of young talent lost to the game, as players and spectators.
Shame for the kids in the current Academy. I just wonder whether Widnes could strengthen links with local amateur teams to identify potential future talent. Guess in the future we will have to rely on looking for players who have not made it in the SL Academy structure.
Well quite often players who did make it in the academy finished with SL clubs anyway so not a massive change there. Problem will be a drop in numbers of places for interested youngsters. This will reduce league trained yougsters.
Frankg your comment re amateur clubs mirrors my view.We include the amateurs as with us inspirit. We make ourselves the biggest community club and Widnes really means all Widnes. Keighly did it years ago iirc.
The Chaps haven’t been picked up yet – could be decent padding for our pack in case of injuries.
Please god no! Utterly hopeless those two!
Couldn't burst out of a wet Primark carrier bag. As Sheens said to me last year at a sponsors event, "They're too tall for RL"
There is only Alex Walmsley at Saints who is effective at 6'8", he's the exception to the TS rule.
Paulie xx
Wouldn't have the twins back, we only have a 1st team, we need to be as ruthless as possible in having players who will get us in the higher part of the table.
They must have played well over 100 games for Widnes between them, how many standout ones can we remember?
I think the twins leaving was needed for both parties
We have replaced the twins and Moran already with Cook, Clough and Jewitt, its 2 or 3 second rowers we need now.
We were a bit light on props last year so another one would be handy but two second rowers and an interchange hooker (who can also do a job elsewhere) should be priority.
Numbers wise we have sufficient backs unless we get a severe injury crisis.
Ryan Shaw, the winger, being offered round on loan from Leigh as he doesn't want to go Full Time. According to Total RL, we have been offered him.
I'd focus on other areas of the squad, but he's got good experience and a good points scoring record.