Have Warrington really gave the lads from our town enough opportunity?

I think not, almost like there is a bias against them, preferring Wigan youngsters.

Any evidence to support your opinion?

iMO the worst thing that's happened to junior / youth rugby is the super league clubs getoting involved and dictating kids lives then they get shat on from a great height between 16-18 and a lot lose faith with the sport and pack in, there are only around 2/3 a year who earn super league contracts they should be left to play in there community clubs with there mates who they've played with since 6 years of age, and monitored .

Wrong. If a local player is good enough they will be signed.



There are probably more local players in the Academy than ever but admittedly the last set of players moving through to first team (Johnson, Wilde, Philbin, King x2) are not from Warrington. But players do get their chance.



I would expect a few more local players to make first team in the next two years.

I do tend to agree (within limits). If a player signs for the U19s and doesn't get selected he could virtually go to full years without playing a game.



Wigan had an agreement with St Pats last season that some of the U19s could play for them if not selected. Although on the other hand if they got injured playing elsewhere who would be responsible for the aftercare?

Really interesting thread thanks for your and others contribution.



Without sounding completely daft, is youth development purely a number game? I understand that statistically if 1 player in X makes it, the more you start with the more you should end up with, but, are we as a club or as a sport, capable of attracting better youngsters and by that I mean talent that in the past may have been lost to another sport, or just would have been off the radar?



If numbers are static, or disappointingly as you report dwindling is there anyway we can increase our chances (and hopefully) are we doing it/our best?

It's not just junior/youth that's struggling open age amateur are struggling For numbers its the way society has changed kids love xboxes nowadays , and a lot of adults work different shift patterns nowadays or self employed and if you pick up a serious injury who's gonna pay the bills.

I just may well have, but as you said it's only my opinion then I don't need any, but like mark, you are free to say I'm wrong.

I read his reply too, I feel his answer only cements my opinion further.

I take that as a "No"

<backslaps>

Doesn't matter boys does it.

; )

I feel this answer only cements my opinion further.