QRL reworking age based competitions ... UK equivalent?

[The Partisan]

https://www.qrl.com.au/news/2023/08/29/qrl-aligns-pathways-and-strengthens-community-leagues/

Not sure how the Academy system works in the UK or if every Super League / Championship club has a team but wonder if there could be an equivalent set up to help young stars progress in the UK ? 

https://www.4bc.com.au/podcast/full-show-29-august-2023-2/

Interview with QRL boss Ben Ikin if able to access. Probably closer the 11:00 mark than the indicated 10:00 mark. 

I'd imagine that a contributing factor to this change would be the case of a few regional based teams (e.g. Western Clydesdales in Toowoomba, Northern Pride in Cairns) struggling with player retention in the 20/21 age bracket.  Mix of moving on to greener pastures or preference for playing for a local / home community club and being competitive rather than playing teams stacked with NRL development players.  Both the Clydesdales and Pride copped some heavy thrashings at this age bracket. 

 

 

 

Edited August 30, 2023 by The Partisan