: Wed Jul 16, 2008 6:14 pm  

Wires71 wrote:

You miss my point. Expansionism is to develop the profile and support level of the sport and cannot be based solely on the performance of one side. Loads of arguments why for against the current expansionist strategy, but my point was why would you be an neanderthal for thinking that a London side still with mickey poor attendances after 25 years of existence is an overwhelming success which should be replicated.

It hasn't been 25 years of consistancy though has it? That club has moved a few times.

: Wed Jul 16, 2008 6:50 pm  

What a great thread, congrats Mr*77 for stimulating such debate. Very rare we get a 7 pager on here and it's not revolving around Danny being a buffoon.

I think whatever Paul Youane thinks, that's my rules nowadays and I'm sticking to it. (Sorry WOTT, this guy is the real deal, capeesh.)

In all seriousness, it's real tough to call, you can see merits in all applications to be fair, I think even Leigh with the new facility can feel a tad hard done too if they don't get in.

Going back a few pages, i'd go with what behind the stick says, gut feeling says that the 12 that are in are in, so to speak.

Leaving just two slots, I'll plump for Salford & Widnes, but I do sincerely hope that i'm wrong and Celtic Crusaders get in. I think as fans, certainly our fans, we've always been very good at grasping these new concepts, taking many fans to Catalans, Millenium Magic, even cup finals that we aren't involved in are littered with Warrington fans, I think it's be nice to have another different fixture on the klist, weekend in Wales, taking in the rugby, something for the other half to do etc. It's be nice.

: Wed Jul 16, 2008 7:20 pm  

The way this has all been handled is just wrong. Some current SL clubs are now in the situation where they are unsure about whether or not they'll get a 'franchise', while other NL clubs might get one despite their performances on the field (which surely should be what it's all about?) not meriting a top flight spot.

If the powers that be are determined to fast-track the Welsh club, they should have said so at the start of this season - we're increasing to 14, Celtics are in, the bottom club goes down and the top two from NL1 come up.

The no relegation scenario this season has only made things worse - Wakefield could end up in the Cup final and the top six and be booted out, Cas could come bottom and stay in, someone pages back in this thread opined that Hull KR might not be safe despite putting out a competitive side since being promoted. It's bloody ridiculous.

Such ham-fisted, farcical administration hardly shows RL in a good light. This is no way to run a sport.

: Wed Jul 16, 2008 7:51 pm  

Personally I would like Widnes, Leigh and Salford to get in to even up the Lancashire and Yorkshire clubs. Don't know which one would drop out though - could be Hull KR, Castleford or Wakefield.

: Wed Jul 16, 2008 11:04 pm  

worthing wire wrote:

What about the teams who aren't in, and have x years without any chance of getting in no matter what they achieve?

The same ones who have failed to gain promotion for the past x amount of years.

: Wed Jul 16, 2008 11:10 pm  

worthing wire wrote:

The way this has all been handled is just wrong. Some current SL clubs are now in the situation where they are unsure about whether or not they'll get a 'franchise', while other NL clubs might get one despite their performances on the field (which surely should be what it's all about?) not meriting a top flight spot.

If the powers that be are determined to fast-track the Welsh club, they should have said so at the start of this season - we're increasing to 14, Celtics are in, the bottom club goes down and the top two from NL1 come up.

The no relegation scenario this season has only made things worse - Wakefield could end up in the Cup final and the top six and be booted out, Cas could come bottom and stay in, someone pages back in this thread opined that Hull KR might not be safe despite putting out a competitive side since being promoted. It's bloody ridiculous.

Such ham-fisted, farcical administration hardly shows RL in a good light. This is no way to run a sport.

Whoa there Hoss. You are shoe-horning the criteria as you see it, then criticising the RFL for not utilising a P&R principle when nobody knows what the performance criteria is!

: Thu Jul 17, 2008 1:29 am  

I haven't read the whole thread but if you look at Toulouse's proposals with an open mind they probably have the best application of all the clubs outside of SL, especially over Celtic who are in a similar situation but much weaker. I can't see the rfl taking the chance though and it would be very difficult to remove a current SL team even if that would be for the good of the game.
For me it'll be the current 12 plus Salford and Widnes/Celtic.

: Thu Jul 17, 2008 6:23 am  

getdownmonkeyman wrote:

The same ones who have failed to gain promotion for the past x amount of years.

That's garbage and you know it. Leigh spring to mind.

: Thu Jul 17, 2008 6:25 am  

getdownmonkeyman wrote:

Whoa there Hoss. You are shoe-horning the criteria as you see it, then criticising the RFL for not utilising a P&R principle when nobody knows what the performance criteria is!

I think that sums the whole shambles up.

: Fri Jul 18, 2008 3:23 pm  

Don't recall this being stated quite as emphatically anywhere before, anyone else?: And at the end of the three-year period, Wood says he expects further changes. "The best performing National League club will be guaranteed admission to Super League, either at the expense of the worst performing club or by expanding the competition," he said. from http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 138760.stm So for those moaning about NL1 clubs being left to die - clearly not!

Don't recall this being stated quite as emphatically anywhere before, anyone else?: And at the end of the three-year period, Wood says he expects further changes. "The best performing National League club will be guaranteed admission to Super League, either at the expense of the worst performing club or by expanding the competition," he said. from http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 138760.stm So for those moaning about NL1 clubs being left to die - clearly not!