rubber duckie wrote:
Makes the NRL template even more appealing.
Invest in the clubs so they are all solvent, then expand a new team in and back it to the hilt, until they too are successful in support and sponsorship.
I find it almost embarrassing that SL only have 12 teams.
And half of them are from just 3 districts.
We would find greater national interest if we were hitting 18/20 strong teams.
Indeed. The RFL has failed spectacularly in it's attempts to create a top tier expansion side for a variety of reasons. Older readers may remember Kent Invicta, Fulham et al in the 80's.
They got close with Gateshead Thunder (which was sacrificed on the altar of Hull FC) and Celtic Crusaders. Toronto was always a ridiculous idea. Catalans Dragons is not an expansion side as it was the merger of two existing sides XIII Catalan (1934) and Saint-Estève (1965).
Perhaps with NRL investment, established clubs such as the following could be introduced with ample notice and funding.
London Broncos
York
Sheffield Eagles
North Wales Crusaders
Newcastle Thunder
