Hull FC star Scott Taylor says that plunging young players into first-team action ahead of schedule due to the coronavirus crisis could have positive spin-off effects in another few years.
There’s a strong school of thought that a condensed 2020 Super League season could lead to more player rotation than usual.
And with the Reserves competition suspended, coaches could be tempted to call on their young guns as they deal with a busier schedule.
“I actually think we could see more young players getting a chance this year, depending on how the fixtures look when we return,” said prop Taylor, 29.
“If we’re asked to play midweek games quite regularly, you’ll see coaches looking to the edges of their squad rather quickly.
“The quality might not be there, but what it will do for the game in a couple of years could be a massive positive.”
Former Hull KR man Taylor, who switched to the KCOM Stadium club from Wigan ahead of the 2016 season, foresees fewer player moves than usual ahead of the 2021 campaign.
“Clubs are unlikely to prioritise recruitment when they are so desperate to balance the books in other areas,” wrote Taylor, who is contracted until 2023, in a column for Hull Live.
“We might see more swap deals, where clubs come to agreements in order to fill certain holes within their respective sides.”
On potentially reducing the salary cap, Taylor commented: “If that happens, you won’t see as many of the big names such as Gareth Widdop or Manu Ma’u coming over, meaning the competitive product we currently have could suffer.
“But at the same time, if more players aren’t coming over or re-signing because of the money situation, it could make the game stronger in the long term because you’ll have to play the young boys.”
