Although clearly a big hit with both the club and its fans, Ward's progression shouldn't yet be regarded as a cert IMO.

Can I throw another off the Oldham production line into that mix in Ben White, Seth?



Maybe not the most spectacular or naturally gifted of players, but looks a good decision maker and game manager. Interesting to see what sort of partnership he and Liam Sutcliffe build up in the 19s this year.

Totally agree i really like Sutcliffe and look forward to seeing how he develops plus as AG says Ben White seems to be highly rated at the club aswell so thats another to watch out for.

We have many good young players at this club. The key is integrating them and getting them game time early enough to stop them going elsewhere.



That was the reasoning behind my original comment about McDermott. He can't move away from what we currently have. Or at least it appears that way.



Of course there is also a lot of pressure on him to win things, which limits is appetite for risk.

What's the rush? Some of them got lots of game time elsewhere last year (McShane, springs quickly to mind), Hardaker became a first team fixture under McDermott, Ward has been introduced to the first team and will probably be a regular this season, Keinhorst has tasted first team....

What is the difference between this contract any the contract virtually everyone else has?

I wonder if this McDermott contract if it is a permanent thing is a prelude to becoming director of rugby?and one of the senior player's taking over the coaching

I wasn't talking about McShane or Hardaker to be honest. I was talking about talent yonger.



We have a back three of youngsters in Baldwinson, Foster, and Tonks, who I said last year for me should be the future Back three of the pack. I see already they seem to be developing Baldwinson into a prop now instead which I dont understand why. Then we have Briscoe, that we actually nearly ended up paying a fee for to get, and the transfer caused such a uproar. These are very talented players, that could easy get a shot at other super league first teams.



So it depends what you mean by rush? Three Seasons? Two seasons? one Season? Personally I think the players I mentioned should be given at least a game this year.

Interesting thoughts regarding candidates for a new "Holy Trinity" (love that comparison!). Thanks!



I associate the recent glory years with the synergy between Sinfield/McGuire/Burrow: is it a mystical union, or can we replicate it with some other decent players from the ranks? Or will we just be ordinary again when they're gone?

We have, despite mutterings to the contrary, a fantastic track record for developing youth. Different players are deemed ready at different points, a lot go out to play senior, open-age RL for a bit, others might get a chance sooner than expected due to injuries.



If those players think they are better served by playing first team at a lower club, bully for them. If they want to follow the likes of McGuire, Sinfield, Burrow, Bailey, JJB, Ablett etc they'll be patient and stay where they are.



Also, no disrespect intended, but are you asking me to believe that you're better placed to decide whether a youngster is likely to develop as a back rower or prop than the coaches working with them avery day, and people like Barrie and Brian McDermott, who may, in fact, know a few things about what it takes to make a career as a forward in professional RL?



Briscoe was always a long term investment. He may well get a game here and there this year. If he doesn't, I don't think it's curtains for his career.

Spin.

That was my first thought actually - I have a perpetual contract with my employer too.