The problem is that the issue that led to them scrapping P&R has come back with the new Middle 8 concept

Namely that the eventually promoted club, whether it be the bottom SL club or the best placed Championship club, is inevitably niles behind with their recruitment for the following season. This season it could have been us - in the event its Wakefield. Brian Smith referred to it as starting a 400 metre race at the 450 metre mark.

It's completely unfair and ridiculous, and will almost definitely mean Wakefield will be at the bottom again next season, as we undoubtably would have been if we'd won on Saturday.

Everyone goes on about how we would have an extra million quid, but when all the players worth having are already signed for next season, and all you can pick off are the rejects and scraps, then what's the point of having a million quid burning a hole in your pocket?

Paradoxically if they'd gone with a straight 'one up one down' then this would have been avoided, since it was obvious that Wakefield would be relegated from half way through the season and they could have started to plan accordingly, whilst the promoted club -which would have been Leigh - would have been able to start SL recruitment much earlier than the second week of October.

Not quite. Bradford dropped 7 points in the last month of the season, and came 2nd by 6 points. It's unlikely the promoted team will be able to start recruiting much in advance of the end of the season most of the time. A little different for Wakefield, but it's not always so clear cut in terms of having a team so far adrift at the bottom of the table.

I expect that IF that happened then Bradford and Leigh would probably be invited into the top flight.

On what grounds do you think Bradford deserve sl.

How many times did you go bust in the last franchise. Your not.a big/famous club anymore. It's people with attitudes like yours that give Bradford fans a bad name. You did not win the league. You happily voted for franchising years ago when bulls were a top 6 team. In a nut shell you lot.made the bed now lie in it

Despite the fact that you are clearly trying to make a name for yourself by coming across as all aggressive with your whopping 23 posts, I will indulge you.

1. NOBODY on here has been more critical of the way that Bradford have been run in recent years. I stated, quite categorically, at the end of 2014 that we got what we deserved with demotion.

2. We ARE a famous club. We might not be very good at the moment but we are a well-known club. RL is not a big enough sport to dismiss some of the bigger sides in the game.

3. IF the aforementioned clubs were "with us" during the last franchise voting then why would they vote against us now?

4. Our travelling support is considerably better than that of Huddersfield, Wakefield, Salford, Catalans (at least). It is financially sound.

5. We are where we are due to financial mismanagement of previous owners who are no longer involved in the sport. We are rebuilding in the correct manner and I am sure that the other clubs realise this.

That will do for starters

I'm sorry to compound your irritation but we are still a big famous club................people outside the North of England have heard of us. We have a fairly significant history and we're pleased to be sufficiently well supported that the little clubs this year have looked forward to us coming to town as it provides a welcome boost to their income. Those that are fortunate enough to have seen their small clubs beat us will be able to regale their descendents with fanciful stories for years to come and pass on the relevant memorabilia. The Season that keeps on Giving.

My point, albeit perhaps badly worded, was that moving to the current system has returned us to the 'late signing' issue that was behind the switch to franchising.

Basically we are back where we were before franchising in that regard

Not very bright are you?

can't believe some on here,
it was a year ago that Lowe was pleased to be given a chance in this super 8 competition now he's saying it should be a straight 2 up 2 down, well wasn't it chance for a 4 up 4 down,
can't help thinking back to when it was a closed shop and Bradford was one of many leading clubs not wanting any championship clubs up now your in the championship your all seem to think you have got some super league right up there,
yes there's no doubt you was once a big name but then there was many other big named clubs up there that have dropped down the pecking order.

just like to add that I thought your support was very good, your team pushed to the the very end and you was that close of succeeding, I agree with Lowe saying that the refereeing standard is at an all time low but his rant at the end of the game was totally out of order and so was Powers in doing the interview so soon after the final whistle.

anyway good luck with the next season, I'm sure you will be knocking on the door again as we will be preparing to stay up again, as I fair bet we won't hit the top 8

Cracking coach in his time that Graeme Lowe.

Then you are truly stupid. Have you lived through "all time" in order to make an informed assessment? No, so you admit it is just hyperbolic bullcrap?

I don't think anyone could have reffed the Bulls/Wakey game significantly better than Silverwood di, and from my own experience, I'd say in particular he, and Ben Thaler, bear favourable comparison with the leading referees from any recent era.

I feel your pain, oh how you wish that were true. How irritating it must be for you that we still are.





PS it would be "you're", assuming you intended to make sense

FFS I'm talking about in general not the dulls Wakey game you wipe, its hand jobs like you that are bitter to the core, continue your weeping all next season

Despite being sceptical originally, the formula, especially at the top of SL, has worked very well in terms of retaining interest & excitement. The RFL should be commended. It doesn't take away from the fact that we are possibly entering a boom & bust cycle in other play-offs.

My point exactley. But these are the most dimwit fans you can come across, still think there a SL team.

They did not got up this year and doubt there will this year.

Let's get this right, you think Bulls fans are dimwits who think the Bulls will miss out on promotion twice in one year

Just wanted to clear that up

I think he was being ironic....in a Halifax sort of way.

Brilliant and insightful. Well played. There's no arguing with such rapier like wit.

Personally I will continue enjoying Wakefields extraordinary winning streak in Super-Duper League next year, culminating in them winning the league.

Oh. Hang on.....

The definition of irony.

It's 'exactly'

It's 'they're a SL team'

It's 'they' not 'there'

It's 'next year' not 'this year'

Dimwit fans? Pot. Kettle. Black

TBF I don't think that anyway is suggesting ANYWHERE that we are a SL team. We are where we are for a reason. The point I was making, is a fair point, in that if franchising was to return to Rugby League then Bradford would likely get a place in the top flight.

Whether we deserve to be or not is not my point.

However, you could also argue that a club that finishes the season 11 points behind the 2nd worst side and having recorded 3 wins all season do not deserve to still be in SL either.

are Oscar Wilde and I claim my 5 Guineas.

The other point is that the team that registered 3 wins all year was not the one that started the Middle 8's. That was not their fault as the system allowed it to happen. I think Bradford would have done exactly the same thing in their position as would Leigh.

Wakefield are a great old club, but I think even their fans would struggle to name 3 things they bring to SL that enhances that comp. How many Wakefield players have represented England / GB over the past 15 years?