England Coach Praises Leigh Leopards and Salford Red Devils’ Academy Investments
England head coach Shaun Wane has heaped praise on Super League sides Leigh Leopards and Salford Red Devils after the two teams were awarded Academy Licences back in May. Recruitment is crucial for success in the top flight, and both clubs have excelled in that regard, securing star signings like Tom Amone and Brodie Croft, who rank among the best acquisitions in Super League over the past decade. However, player retention is equally vital, and the newly granted academy licences will allow Leigh and Salford to develop their own talented youngsters, whom they can then retain and build upon for sustained Super League success.
Speaking to The Sportsman, Wane highlighted the significance of the academy systems employed by the league’s dominant forces, St Helens and Wigan Warriors, as the primary reason behind their continued dominance. “The success I had at Wigan was through our young kids coming through the system,” Wane explained, emphasizing the importance of nurturing homegrown talent. With Salford and Leigh now set to benefit from three-year academy licences, Wane believes this could translate to enhanced national team prospects in the long run.
“The success I had at Wigan was through our young kids coming through the system,” Wane explained, emphasizing the importance of nurturing homegrown talent.
Both the Red Devils and Leopards are currently jostling for playoff positions in the Super League, and the newly acquired academy accreditation means they are well-positioned to remain top-six contenders for at least the next three seasons. According to RFL Board member Paul Prescott, the two clubs addressed previous concerns and presented solid, clear applications, leading to the successful recommendations.
The news of Leigh and Salford’s academy licence approvals is a significant boost for rugby league, as it paves the way for the development and retention of homegrown talent, which could ultimately strengthen the national team’s prospects.
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