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.

I agree with this. What does confuse me is what happens next. We've got 14 current teams plus Widnes (guaranteed) and Halifax getting a shot at it. Does that mean 15 teams go into the hat (excluding Widnes) and the best 13 are in SL with Widnes?

Yes this is how it is at the moment unless the RFL decide on some sort of league expansion. (although I vaguely remember an announcement saying this wouldnt happen?) Halifax's application will now be reviewed alongside the current 14 SL teams and of those 2 will miss out.

PERSONALLY, I would like to see the following:



SL1



8 teams playing 21 games



SL2



8 teams playing 21 games



Promotion and relegation between the 2 SL divisions with a cup competition involving all SL clubs and proper 9's tournament, involving all SL clubs.

It could be that the decision on the image rights problem will be soon. IF RL clubs lose and have to pay in full then some will be in serious financial trouble.

The RFL may decide to allow one tho leave SL and bring Halifax in as they meet the criteria.

That could be why the RFL are still talking up Halifax's chances.

The SL chairmen would never vote for it, not unless there's a massive increase in TV money from Sky or whoever gets the contract.

I'd like to see a 16 team league with one of the terrestrial broadcasters getting a Sunday afternoon kick off on top of Skys current schedule. Should increase the TV money.