Following a meeting between Championship and League 1 clubs at Bradford last Friday at which acting RFL CE Ralph Rimmer was present.

Under that heading this weeks RL press in part states.

“Championship and League 1 clubs say they will stand firm against any attempt by Super League to take control of the game from the RFL.”

“They will strongly resist any changes to the current divisional and funding structure unless there is a compelling robust proposal which is in the interest of the whole game.”

The statement said. “All RFL member clubs present voted unananimously to support the motion that no change be made to the present competition structure or funding of the professional game unless there was the above compelling proposal to do so”.

“The protection and maintenance of the existing game wide funding levels to non SL stakeholders is not negotiable.”

“Championship and League 1 clubs are united in their stance against any transfer of power, control and resources of the sport away from the RFL and are not in support of any transfer of funding or resources to Super League Europe outside of existing commercial contracts.”

“Rugby League must move forward as one group and the unanimous vote at the meeting clearly outlines the United view of Championship and League 1 clubs.”

End of part quote.

Not exactly or even remotely how Mr Lenegan tried to some up the situation.

I will say it again. Until the supporters of the game unite against the buffoons ruining the game, nothing will change.

Has anyone listened to the Radio Manchester interview with the Wigan RFL Chairman?
He seemed to contradict most of what was reported in his press release, except to berate the Leeds Chairman for daring to stand up to him, saying the RFL would not pander to one mans view !
Also Championship clubs should know their place, and be grateful for the crumbs of the table.
Was he misquoted in the press?

That is my understanding of his views, I may be mistaken, if so I will wholeheartedly apologise .

[part quote="the fax in asia"Has anyone listened to the Radio Manchester interview with the Wigan RFL Chairman?
He seemed to contradict most of what was reported in his press release, except to berate the Leeds Chairman for daring to stand up to him, saying the RFL would not pander to one mans view !

Unless it’s his view.

Also Championship clubs should know their place, and be grateful for the crumbs of the table.

This is his view.

Was he misquoted in the press?

If he had been you can be sure he would have demanded a retraction and apology.

Governing bodies of any sport are for among other reasons put in place precisely to stop power hungry individuals from taking over control because such individuals would be incapable of making impartial decisions just exactly as Mr Lenegan has shown.

Wigan are not the RFL.

This is the biggest test of the RFL to be able to stand as the governing body of the sport of rugby league as a whole, if they capitulate and go along with Mr Lenegan and co they will serve no purpose other than to be members of a dictatorship led by him.

It will then be left to see what happens to the rest of the game.

This is not about power directly but money.

New Sky Deal = less money. So to keep what you get others get less.

Given weakness of RFL this could so final breakaway of twenty of so professional clubs who get money and RFL who get none.

Great idea.

Here's a razor.

Cut your own throat.

Of course money is involved and there may be a fair argument and is what has been said that some clubs who are only generating a very small amount from their own income streams percentage wise compared to the amount that they are receiving from central funding is hugely out of proportion and this can’t continue and maybe they should consider their professional status or have it forced on them.

However there is more to it than that, Mr Lenegan and co / Super League Europe have been asking for and trying to get more say in things for some time, plenty of people who are steeped in rugby league recognise this as a power grab.

His latest bid is nothing less than an attempt toward total control then they will dictate everything.

They will quickly press on with the squeeze until just the right amount of clubs outside SL are left to act as feeders and a place for their reserves, fringe players or anyone coming back from injury can get some game time.

The RFL and everyone outside SL are being called out by this group.

Questions remain.

Are far will SL go with the call out?
How will the RFL respond to the call out?
What will the Champ and League 1 clubs do if it gets to a point where they either have to like it or leave it?

Good post and who knows what the answer is?

I really don’t think there is an answer Hudds.

As you well know the game has been struggling along for a long time now with the varied challenges which have been well commented on by press, pundits and posters.

The difference is that these challenges were external and League as a whole faced them together.

Now they are getting harder and in addition to them
the challenge is coming from within and League is turning on League.

Even if an amicable solution is found it’s a sad, sad day for the so called “One Big Family” when you know how you are looked upon other members.

Monkey nuts scattered on the floor & a dangling bag of pony Carrots are the order of the day after 2021 im afraid.

The Championship/League 1 clubs need to find "big money" to employ someone whos young and vibrant who can go out there and generate money for them

Read the following: https://www.wigantoday.net/.../rugby-le ... 600k-los... Mr Lenegan sites structure of the super 8 as the main reason Wigan lost money in 2016. Is the main reason he is wanting to be a Scrooge like character that his company own 89% of the Wigan RFL shares and so propping up the club. If they were a lesser known club would there have been a winding up order against them ? it happened to Bradford! Article : Wigan Post 27 September 2017.

Read the following: https://www.wigantoday.net/.../rugby-le ... 600k-los... Mr Lenegan sites structure of the super 8 as the main reason Wigan lost money in 2016. Is the main reason he is wanting to be a Scrooge like character that his company own 89% of the Wigan RFL shares and so propping up the club. If they were a lesser known club would there have been a winding up order against them ? it happened to Bradford! Article : Wigan Post 27 September 2017.