Reaction to Keiron Cunningham's criticism of rugby league's youth development structure

Cunningham said in last week's Star that having under 19s Academy as the final step before first-team meant coaches had to “roll a dice” on youngsters too early into their careers, claiming that junior development is “dying” because of the situation.

Supporters have expressed their views on junior development and the Saints coach’s comments.

Andrew Daniels wrote on the Star Facebook page: “Well said Keiron – the future of the game is at stake. Wake up Red Hall and all the Super League teams who voted reserve rugby out.”

Stuart Ratcliffe added: “Correct what KC is saying. But whilst some of the Super League clubs can afford reserve grade many probably couldn’t.

FLASHBACK: Cunningham's comments last week. Click link on the right to read full story

“And when you look at the lower divisions and the lack of money coming through the turnstiles and the lack of some rugby players in some areas it’s hard.

“Look at Oldham, a rugby league town – players produced like Sculthorpe, Harris and Turner, plus bred players like Joynt and Martyn just to name a few but look at where the professional club is now? Says it all and a lot of similar clubs.”

George Ballantyne said all clubs “need reserve teams for the late developers” and that they don’t have to be full time which “would be an incentive to succeed.”

He added: “Dual registration has made a mockery of the Championship clubs and stops their players getting game time and a chance to get in Super League themselves.”

Jim Welbourn said: “KC is mainly talking about the elite end of junior development, but the RFL policies are really hitting the amateur clubs even harder, kill the amateurs and you kill the lads who filter through to the top.”

And Alan Redmonds said: “At last a coach who sees the bigger picture. Super League clubs aren’t suffering half as much as Championship clubs, not to mention National Conference League, which is a woeful standard with no kids coming through.”