That is a problem and one of the RFL's own making when they said an NL team would definitely come up regardless.



It defeats the object of franchising IMO so although I am in favour of it over P&R I think they should do it properly and judge each case on its merits which they clearly are not going to be doing if all current SL clubs put a better package together than Widnes.



They other thing they did recently was say they were not going to judge soley on the prevous criteria and were not going to give grades like they did last time.



They will also introduce a [usubjective[/u criteria of what a side brings to SL and that I think, gets round the problem you highlight. The RFL could say "Yes Wakey's application is better than Widnes but Widnes will bring more to SL than Wakey staying there because Widnes are famous" or whatever.



It ought to mean Wigan can never lose the franchise because we are the most famous RL club in the world

I'm chuffed to see Widnes back in the top flight, they'll bring some big crowds with them which our sport is crying out for.



Congratulations to the Chemics.

But without being forced into it clubs didn't used to do it at all levels of the game. And that's a fact.



Wigan always have and always have done but for a long time we were the only side with any real youth program. Leeds realised it was a good idea. They used to build sides off other clubs more or less completely if you look at the sides they had when Schofield was there. Wane from here went, Crooks, Schofield and so on all bought in and many others. When SL came about they went for youth development and it worked but for a time it was only really us and Leeds.







I don't think that is true. Young players will never be risked in sides in the lower end of the table. It's win at all costs to avoid the drop. At least with the franchise system if you are out of contention for the play-offs you can plan for next season and blood some younger players. If you are out of contention for the play-offs in a P&R system then you are in a relegation fight and so that is not an option.

I do agree with that point. They made a mistake, IMO, in promising that one club would come up regardless of the state of the current SL clubs. The basic concept is still valid, though, and we're already seeing the benefits, even after such a short time.

Its unlikely because they went under anyway.



Also they could be sure of it because Widnes' ground is better than Wires and Halifax aint far behind I believe. Then there is the fact that youth development was increased in Championship rather than relying on SL cast offs like Widnes used to (cue Wigan vs Wigan B etc) then there is the fact that they knew that if Wakey and Cas didn't agree a ground share then one would be without a ground proposal in place in time and so could be sure that one of those could be disposed of.



The REAL test is whether they are fair. How can they claim that Wakey and Crusaders deserve to stay in SL when Widnes and Halifax are better off better managed financially and (probably) have better youth development than Crusaders (not sure of Wakeys I imagine it isn't going to be behind the Championship sides but you never know).



I dont want Crusaders to go because I want more Welsh players etc but I cant see how the RFL can fairly keep them and maintain this "fairness" idea.

I agree but I think we can pretty much guarantee that at least 3 clubs will have a worse application than Widnes.

Now, yes, though I'm not so sure it was as clear-cut back when they first made the promise. That was before Crusaders' and Wakey's financial problems, and before Wakey's stadium plans collapsed.

Yeh when that questionnaire went round asking opinions on the current license system I suggested reverting to a 2 year period rather than 3. I think 2 years would mean the clubs in the superleague who are struggling to meet the current criteria would have to show some more urgency and the clubs who miss out in the championship have a quicker chance to re-apply. At the end of the next license period clubs will have had 6 years to sort themselves out and it is unforgiveable for any team not to have done. We should really have every SL team up to scratch with 4 or 5 teams below also in much better shape. Cant see it myself but that's what a franchise system should achieve.



Divided opinions on this I know but I also think after the next round of licenses the best way forward is to expand in to a 16 team league.

Am I the only one who would swap a custioned seat in an all seater stadium to standing, even when its raining in a traditional Rugby League stadium soaking up the atmosphere and history. I looked forward every year to attending these "2nd class" stadiums like cas and wakey. Give me atmosphere, not the sterile seating that we are all supposed to want. I would swap a season in DW for a night at Central Park. I hope Wakey get to stay put, the only way I'm going to feel the same atmosphere in the future is by Wigan drawing away in the Challenge Cup to a championship team. NOT ALL CHANGE IS GOOD

www.superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=21609 Quote Halifax, who also meet the minimum criteria for membership of the sport’s premier competition, will now go forward to be assessed alongside the existing 14 Engage Super League clubs at the next stage of the licensing process which concludes in July.'" Maybe a 16 team league? It would make sense really, top 8, bottem 8 mini comps at end of season!

www.superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=21609 Quote Halifax, who also meet the minimum criteria for membership of the sport’s premier competition, will now go forward to be assessed alongside the existing 14 Engage Super League clubs at the next stage of the licensing process which concludes in July.'" Maybe a 16 team league? It would make sense really, top 8, bottem 8 mini comps at end of season!

Plenty of grounds in our league are better than those in Super League! I'd say the LSV, the Shay, Batley etc have got the balance right of a stadium with modern facilities but still being able to stand up etc.

For our sport to be taken seriously all the teams have to be playing in modern stadia. Some of the grounds are almost 100 years old and falling to pieces. Yes I agree I like going to Salford, Wakefield, Cas, Knowsley Road etc but these facilities aren't good enough for top flight sport. Sentiment has to be thrown out I'm afraid.