Three distinct differences between this situation and our own.

1) This looks like a Newcastle only initiative. Newcastle haven't merged their academy with an inferior academy, and will have access to all of the players that 'graduate' from it. We won't.

2) We don't have a billionaire running FC. We have a chairman that's cutting costs, distracted by a job in another sport and who doesn't understand Rugby League.

3) Our first team don't even have access to first grade level coaching.

But, other than those points it's the same thing right?

This is what I meant to say, Wilf!

Grudge says jump, Easty says how high



Back on topic, if this is down to finances, can we the fans organise some kind of funding for the academy to stay as Hull FC? Could be innovative...

We'll already do via the Lucky13 lottery. Basically half my £4.33 monthly lottery payment will be funding Dobbins players. Think I'm going to have to cancel it.

Has the RFL said anything about this merger ? Did Pearson say something about them looking to build more "Super academy's" . Has Pearson let the cat out the bag regarding this announcement !.

The RFL have been suggesting it for a year or two.

Guinea pig Hull .

Often when the RFL think something is a good idea it generally means it's a shocker.

Worrying thing is , What if we get a new owner want to f**k it off or the plan goes t1ts up . To start up again would send our junior development/Recruitment back years.

Exactly

say it runs 3 or 4 years. we then split, we will have half a squad, and we wont be able to magic up another half, due to a "lack of talent pool"

I've always thought we, thats Hull RLFC, should have a squad at ever year from u12's signed, yes, its 8 squads, but give it a few years, with the right people and the right structures and the internationals will come rolling out.

This new merger will be trying to get a 15 year old and making him a star by the times he's 19. Bollox, the best of the best got signed by Wigan and Saints at the age of 12

All very emotive, but for me it's a none event. 2 clubs looking to reduce their spend on academy in favour if spending on first team.