HULL FC assistant coach Lee Radford has hit out against the current system in the British game, warning players like Jamie Shaul will be lost from the sport.
Radford was a huge advocate of Shaul's and pushed for the 20-year-old full-back to be given a first-team contract at the end of last season.
Shaul repaid some of that belief with a two-try debut against Wakefield Wildcats on Easter Monday, much to the delight of his former under-20s coach Radford.
But, having seen the 20s and overage allowances disbanded this year in favour of an under-19s set-up, Radford believes the new system is hurting Shaul's progress.
And he's warning the chances of many more players following in Shaul's footsteps in the years to come are being hurt by the restrictions put in place by the RFL and Super League clubs.
"For eight weeks Jamie has been sat unable to play anywhere, although he had a small injury during that time," explained Radford to the Mail.
"He's been so depressed. Every Monday I've had to come in and put my arm around his shoulder and have a chat because here is a good young kid, with lots of talent, who wants to play games but can't because of the system.
"He gave up his job as a bricklayer to be a rugby league player and he can't get a game anywhere. How is that right?"
At the age of 20, Shaul is no longer eligible to play for Hull's second string side.
The Black and Whites have a dual registration deal with Championship club York City Knights, where he started the season.
But, York had already signed a full-back on a good two-year deal for the start of this season, and as a result utilised Shaul on the wing when he featured back in early February.
Radford insists he understands York's situation, but it is the lack of opportunities for the full-back to play in his specialised position which is a source of frustration for the former FC captain.
"York have a player on a two-year deal who they have brought in to play full-back and rightly so, it is not fair they push him aside to play one of our players on a dual-registered deal," added Radford.
"But the fact of the matter is Jamie is left without anywhere to play.
"I've spoken to Oldham, Gateshead, Salford, I've called many clubs about seeing if I can get Jamie in somewhere.
"He's scored two tries on his debut for Hull FC and then this week if Shannon McDonnell is fit, it means we've nowhere to play Jamie again.
"How can that help him develop as a rugby player?
"It's not all about Jamie either.
"We have good young British players who are not getting the opportunities because as clubs we are willing to offer contracts to overseas players who were not good enough to make it in the NRL.
"That is our philosophy in this country and it is not right.
"I played with Jamie Peacock, and when he was 19 he was an average Joe.
"We'd have lost Jamie Peacock under the current structure and it is so frustrating that at 19 there is no avenue for these players.
"The clubs voted for this system, but that was a decision based simply on finances.
"What we have to do is take a look at where we are at, the finances available and what we can do to change it.
"It should go back to the old Alliance team days, with games on a Wednesday or Thursday night and the boys in that game are playing for a spot on your bench at the weekend.
"It makes the clubs stronger, it's a strong competition and it would get good gates too."
