Black and Whites are genuinely trying to create youth pathways

TATE SAYS POLICY IS DESIRE TO GIVE YOUNG PLAYERS AN OPPORTUNITY

- By DAN TOMLINSON

Richard Tate believes Hull FC are genuinely buying into their youth development goals, with the recent rise in the first team of the likes of Lewis Martin, Harvey Barron, and Davy Litten proving the club is beginning to nurture and bring through Super League quality players.

The Black and Whites, who have heavily invested in their youth system in recent years, fielded all three players out of choice last season.

Martin played every game, while Litten didn’t drop out of the first team once returning from injury.

The same applied for Barron, who also started the season strongly.

Meanwhile, the form of all three players was heralded throughout the season, with their rises in the senior side coming as a reward for perseverance and also serving as motivation for more young players coming through the system to follow suit.

Speaking to the Mail, Tate said: “There’s always that common expression, especially over the last two years or so, of ‘Was it out of necessity?’ Was that why the kids had to play? But it’s shown that a lot of kids are in there and are holding their own.