Hull FC u18s

Starting up a new team. I’m curious though, what league will they play in? I thought the age level under seniors was u19s?

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/it-completes-pathway-hull-fc-9016427?int_source=amp_continue_reading&int_medium=amp&int_campaign=continue_reading_button#amp-readmore-target

13 hours ago, DoubleD said:

Starting up a new team. I’m curious though, what league will they play in? I thought the age level under seniors was u19s?

"This now aligns us with the RFL's wider strategy of growing the female game and ensuring there is age-appropriate development for all players at each stage of their journey"

Something doesn't tally. Perhaps the RFL have restructured to under-18s. Could have been a story to that effect on their site, for all I know. Having to guess tells its own tale.

NSWRL have under-17s Lisa Fiaola Cup (13 teams metropolitan, 6 teams regional) and under-19s Tarsha Gale Cup (13 teams). We should be aiming for a similar system.

9 hours ago, unapologetic pedant said:

"This now aligns us with the RFL's wider strategy of growing the female game and ensuring there is age-appropriate development for all players at each stage of their journey"

Something doesn't tally. Perhaps the RFL have restructured to under-18s. Could have been a story to that effect on their site, for all I know. Having to guess tells its own tale.

NSWRL have under-17s Lisa Fiaola Cup (13 teams metropolitan, 6 teams regional) and under-19s Tarsha Gale Cup (13 teams). We should be aiming for a similar system.

I’m of the view that u18s makes more sense. It aligns with the men’s game and narrows the gap to u16. Most likely the best 18-19 year olds will already being playing senior footy anyway.

My issue, as you alluded to, is there’s been no reference to any change of age representation as far as I know 

7 hours ago, DoubleD said:

I’m of the view that u18s makes more sense. It aligns with the men’s game and narrows the gap to u16. Most likely the best 18-19 year olds will already being playing senior footy anyway.

Almost all those in the NSW and QLD under-19s comps get a taste of open-age after the junior rep season finishes. I reckon that extra year in a strong junior set-up is highly beneficial to their development. Means players are more likely to step up only when they're ready.

Super League clubs are still under 19's this season but a number of community teams have been setting up U18's for the coming season so Im presuming because Hull FC look like they will be in a restructured League 1 set up they have been given permission to run an U18's and play in that competition rather than a 19's and have to compete against SL teams which makes sense given their open age team is off the pace at the moment.