I don't think there was any animosity when he left Cas. Ben had just won the most improved player award at his age group and when he was offered a contract by Cas he decided not to sign it and went to wakey.

Happens all the time.

There is a bit of dewy-eyed romanticism on the part of some fans when it comes to locally produced players, as most of us would love to see the side full of Wakey lads like Ben. So when they depart, there's a tendency to 'blame' the club - they weren't used properly, the coach didn't like them, they were offering peanuts etc etc.



In reality, the vast majority of these young men are trying to get the most money they can throughout their brief careers and as such, they don't really have any loyalty other than to themselves and/or their families. Sticks in the craw a bit sometimes to see local talent buggering off over the Pennines, but it was ever thus and ever will be.



What seems to be notable about Ben is that he's an unusally articulate and intelligent young man for a RL player and as such, I hope he continues to conduct himself with class and dignity; if he does, that will set him in good stead, regardless of whether he becomes a RL superstar or goes back to his career in the NHS.



Hopefully, his family and advisors will also keep schtum about any perceived ill-will towards WTW and focus on the future.

A good team needs to be more than just the sum of it's parts. Ben may not be a world beater, but he had the potential to have a long career as part of Wakey team for the next 10 years. I think this is a shame for us and once again sends out all the wrong signals about where we are going as a club - that's not say that the club haven't tried to retain him, but the bits I've heard weren't encouraging!

Ted's poodle etc etc...

How is wanting a home grown side being Ted's poodle ffs!



The club has made great strides in recent months, but we're far from a finished product and many people are still holding out until they see stronger progress on the playing side.



I would just like to see a side built largely from Wakey lads, that's all - and yes, I did tell Andrew that!

A poodle with balls, nice one, its a shame more people on here don't grow some.

I could be wrong Phil but I think that was meant as a dig at the usual suspects expected to come along and trot the poodle line out yet again.

Yeah, the guy just thinks that I'm having a go at anything Andrew, which is not the case, but I am dissapointed by this!

while I too would like to also see that its just not going to happen over night and again we have to look at the quick fix now we have been given the green light to stop up for three more seasons.



the 1873 club will go along way in help build the youth on but that too has to be push for us to have any impact on the Wakefield product.



the massive problem is money and we are not going to keep the kids interested unless we can compete with the bigger clubs.

Where did you coach Al?

Good luck Ben, hope you have a long, prosperous and illustrious career!

Gawthorpe, Crigg & Westgate I believe.



He coached Jay Pitts , and lots of currents juniors around such as the number 4 & 8 from leeds u18 last night.