Denton: We must give youth a chance
Leeds second row player Tom Denton says the club must give their younger players a chance to prove themselves in the first team this season.
There are worries that Leeds will struggle to stay up this season because they have failed to match the high profile signings made by a number of other clubs. This places a greater emphasis on the youth system at the club as well as squad players already in place.
Denton believes that these youth players are old enough and good enough to make a real impression in the Premiership this season. The only way for young and inexperienced players to play and get better is if they are thrown in at the deep end during important matches.
There are a number of benefits for the club using youth players in the team this season. However, there are also some very obvious disadvantages of doing so.
Benefits of using youths
The one thing you will be guaranteed when using youth players is that they will run around like mad men for a full 80 minutes. Youth players will just want to enjoy the rugby and their energy and enthusiasm will get them through the pace of a top-flight game.
Youth players will be quicker over the turf than many older players at Leeds. The club have to use this as an asset in big games. The more youth players that are in the side will mean that the ball can be moved around the field very quickly and a game can soon be taken away from the opposition.
Younger players will not have so many mental scars from playing in the Premiership for years. They will not have been on the wrong end of a heavy defeat and this means they will not have any fear when it comes to playing the better teams in the Premiership.
Denton said: "I think the more local academy players in a team the better. It inspires boys from the academies and schools. They see you have done it and believe they can too. It's good for the fans, too. For instance, you go on loan to Otley and then the Otley fans will come and support you when you play for Leeds."
Negatives of younger players
The main disadvantage that a young player will experience in the Premiership is a physical one. Younger people do not have advanced bodies and strength that older players will enjoy.
This means that younger platers are more likely to be brushed and bullied off of the ball over the course of a long game. Older players will also look to take a young and fast player out of the game early on with a heavy challenge.
Denton added: "For a club, it's important because it shows that through hard work and dedication you can get into the first team and then more young lads aspire to do the same. Here at Leeds we have a great batch of youngsters coming through that will shape the future. It's great for the academy guys to go out and experience men's rugby."
Betting advice
Leeds are going to find it tough to keep up with the pace this season despite the obvious youth talent they possess. If you fancy them to stay safe then have a punt because the club has just enough in terms of experience to pull through.
Backing players should be easy because any young player that comes into the side will be intent on making an impression. If you see any signs of a youthful winger or flanker than back them to the hilt because they could easily score a lot of points in a single game.
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