I don't think our pathways are struggling at all,the new system/model was implemented last year and will take a little time
The focus on young local talent is coming along,the U16 dev players moved into the Matt's side last year and the best and still young moved into the Ball this year,I think there are more good locals going to come through than before,but it takes time for them to progress.
Yes,the Ball sides win/loss was not great this year,but we generally recruited some talented kids who are and will progress...Large bros,Melrose,Walsh,Muagututia,Laiafi,Munn,Hart,Paulo,Green,O'Keefe,Lawry etc ..
As to why some have 'disappeared',maybe some of the Qld kids have headed back to Qld to be with their families,school etc...same as the Large bros.
The Flegg has been a bit ordinary, you have to rely on the young kids coming through and at 20 or so years old,you sort of have to try and sift through and hope to get a few gems through signings elsewhere.
Most of the kids at that age are already in other clubs programs,you either have to throw a lot of cash at someone who is realistically almost ready for an NRL contract or similar,or you have to look at kids that have been overlooked and you think can still be a shot which is harder to do when they are already 19/20.
Harder to put a Flegg squad together in my opinion,in saying that Watmough has done more chopping and changing even taking into consideration some injuries and guys having to move up to Reggie's(just my opinion).