Last night once again proved that its in places like Halifax and Widnes where the game will increase its fan base and is better off concentrating its efforts rather than wasting time in far off places where football or RU rules.
Plus there is a lot more passion as people really care about the game and create a good atmosphere.
Winning obviously helps but I ask would Celtic Crusaders have got such a crowd last night (an all pay gate note).
How many did Harlequins get today against another SL club???

2.500

2,500

Unfortunately, BskyB don't share your "parochial" outlook. That's the way it is i'm afraid. We'll get back in if: we win trophy's, increase our gate (in spite of what Harlequins or Celtic do in this regard) and improve our financial clout.

Its interesting that nobody cites Catalan in this debate.

You mean that hotbed of French Rugby League - with a proven track record of a decent fan base? No, they weren't mentioned - for that very reason. Are you referring to the Geographical technicalities of franchising? I'll pm you when we debate that one yeah?

Fair enough, and i guess that the attendences of Halifax in 2002 and 2003 were well above the 6351 and 5272 that celtic have had this season.

Against St Helens and Hull ? - no, probably not. We charged our fans though. I have no problems with Celtic but let's see what their average ends up at after they've finished the season's slaughter. Come back with your trolling then J o n n y.

Im not trolling, i came on here looking for a thread about the CC and got sidetracked into this one. Im pretty glad haifax have gone well this season, and was going to ask who everyone would want in the next round.

But if you would lie, let me know what your averge attendence was in super league and we can cpompare it to celtics average, after they have been slaughtered all season.

Ours was dire. It wasn't much over 3,000 i think. I'm sat doing naff all at the moment - i'll go and have a look.

Fair,

whilst your on here then, you hoping for a SL team in the CC? And if i knew how the gate money was divided this would be a redundant question, but you wanting a game at the shay or to do some traveling?

Castleford Tigers
4,388
Leeds Rhinos
4,073
Huddersfield Giants
4,616
St Helens
3,373
Warrington Wolves
3,174
Hull FC
3,143
Widnes Vikings
1,919
London Broncos
1,781
Bradford Bulls
4,555
Wakefield T Wildcats
2,274
Huddersfield Giants
2,473
London Broncos
1,458
Wigan Warriors
2,543
Widnes Vikings
2,088

Average:
2,990


Not good.


In answer to your cc question - personally i would love to see a Halifax vs Bradford match at the Shay. Friday night fireworks and all that stuff. I think Catalans may put a stop to that.

Indeed. Not sure what the numbers were for widnes in 2005 either. I genuinely think that expansion is a positive thing. in terms of developing the game, i would argue that catalan have done more than widne coulh have done in the last four years, and that celtic was the next step forward.

The club that concern me is Salford. Making no in roads in attendences, performing worse than celtic - though the league table says otherwise, and generally dont seem to be going forward having been given a licence.


re the Bulls. I dont know how they managed to win there two weeks ago, Catalan had three tries tured down apparently. so i have to agree that your dream fixture looks doubtful, and thats before considering the draw

Celtic`s crowds have gone up but they are mainly away fans traveling down lets see how the "heartland clubs" fair at the end of the season with their average gate.As they now have London, Celts and Cats all no show fans plus if it has anything to do with the RFL they will add another French side in as well next time round.

Toulouse are miles away from SL. they need to win something in the next three years to be considered, and at the moment you cant see passed Halifax and Widnes in the championship.

Not definatly so the RFL move the goalposts all the time and they have already said they would like another French side in.

Indeed, surely it makes sense to have a second french team in the league though.

But the rules have been set and i dont think the RFL will 'move the goalposts'

You're new to rugby league aren't you pal ?

To say you only came looking for a challenge cup thread, you've hung around spieling rubbish for a while.
Come out Nigel Wood, we know it's you

Nah, just someone else suckered in by the beauty of licensing..........how its going to change our game for the best

I am glad for Celtic and Wales they are in SL but not by the methods that get them there. Same as Toulouse good to see them here but why should they not be relegated?
40 schools are in Wales playing League and a host of WELSH youngsters are playing the game and doing well at the academy with Celtic. Hopefully they push through and make the grade at SL-which is a big step up!!

Not particularly, i think the RFL has become a lot more professional under Richard Wood, the live salary cap and the RFL making a profit being the two major improvements in the last few years. and hence why i dont think the goalposts will be moved.

Who ?

I heat the LTA are thinking along similar lines to the RFL ...

Paul Sculthorpe will be their next Chairman!

Hx average lge att 2003 = 4080
2004= 2977

my bad

richard wood is a synthesis of richard lewis and nigel wood, was just trying to keep the post short and sweet. honest

Richard Lewis I respect a lot and he has made changes for the good and is a good leader. Mr Wood I think is a waste of space and would not pee on him if on fire!!