Cheers for that. I think any two extra franchises award will come down to Salford, Crusaders or Tolouse. Can't see them being too adventurous and opting for two "expansion" sides at the one time to be honest? Although I may be wrong...bowes said:the applicants outside of SL are Salford, Widnes, Leigh, Crusaders, Toulouse and 1 other. I think the one other is actually Featherstone but it's definitely not Whitehaven, and don't think it's Halifax though they're a possibility
I think 3 from Cas, Salford, Crusaders or Toulouse. Salford will be definites as they won't give 7 Yorkshire and 3 Lancashire franchises out, therefore one Yorkshire teams in SL is at risk, and I think Wakey and Hull KR edge out Cas. Think Crusaders and Cas will be the other two but Cas could miss out if they want Toulouse in as well, or Crusaders could if their bid's unsoundbartman said:Cheers for that. I think any two extra franchises award will come down to Salford, Crusaders or Tolouse. Can't see them being too adventurous and opting for two "expansion" sides at the one time to be honest? Although I may be wrong...
bowes said:But Hull KR have already shifted far more season tickets (1.5 times or more) than Harlequins actual season average crowds and obviously will be more with away fans and fans that turn up on the day
Promotion and relegation will not apply in 2008 but a National League team is guaranteed a Super League licence when they next come up for review in 2012.
This would either be at the expense of a relegated team or as a result of further expansion.
Three grades of membership are proposed for existing Super League clubs, based on both off and on the field criteria.
Assessments will be completed and made public next year, with the bottom tier teams in danger of relegation.
The league are confident of winning over the critics, who claim that the temporary suspension of promotion and relegation will result in more meaningless matches.
Officials admit much work needs to be done to change the mindset of a rugby league audience accustomed to the cut and thrust of relegation but argue that the change needs to be made for the good of the game.
Awarding three-year licences, they argue, will enable clubs to make long-term plans and encourage the development of local players at the expense of short-term overseas signings.
There are also plans to increase prize money for the National League champions to provide a further incentive for clubs outside the elite.