St Helens setting up reserve league for next season

St Helens have revealed that they are in talks with “six to ten” other clubs about establishing a Super League reserve team competition next season.

Saints have expressed concern at the lack of opportunities for young players, with an article on their official website outlining their objections to the current system and dual registration.

In order to remedy the situation, it appears that the club have taken matters into their own hands.

“The suggested format would still see the Saints working with its partnership club by allowing those not selected to play for the Championship side the chance to gain game time with the Super League Reserve team,” the website article explains.

“This will be a step forward in allowing players to gain that game time in a competitive high level environment whilst ensuring they are not lost from our sport.”

St Helens chief executive Mike Rush

“We originally voted against the scrapping of the under 20s and also voted against the current system from its outset,” he said.

“I’m very passionate about is developing young players and we have probably produced more than anybody in the last decade and we believe we know how to take a kid from the amateur game into full time rugby league.

“All young players develop at different rates and the three tier system gives more kids a better opportunity of making it to SL.

“It’s clear we need as many opportunities for these players to get as much game time as possible. The current system of an Under-19s and a first team isn’t sufficient and we are denying youngsters, the lifeblood of our sport, the chance to develop.

“A new reserve system, which will allow players all ages to play, would be a step forward and we hope to have more details soon.”