That'll please Widnes when they are overlooked for Toulouse

I'd be very surprised if Gordon Brown himself evaluated every petition...
Enough names on this thing and a few questions will need to be answered. The RFL might have the clubs tied up but it's time the fans stood up and said that they will not let the establishment treat the sport this way.

You live in an imaginary world


Enough names on that wast of time to get it requiring a response and your response will be

"The prime minister feels that matters pertaining to the running of professional sports are matters for the governing bodies of those professional sports, not the government."

Another shocking decision by the RFL, but, it’s indicative of their past fiascos.

The expansionists must be very happy today.

Will they? Why? And by whom?

You think the RFL will care? Sky? HM Government?

Nobody takes on-line petitions seriously. You need to come up with something with higher visibility and credibility.

Boys boys boys... there are enough fans in this division that are fed up with the way that these things are handled.
I might not get very many names.. in which case no problem. But I might get quite a lot of names. Nothing ventured and all that. There are enough disgruntled fans in Widnes, Barrow, Leigh, Halifax and Whitehaven at the moment to suggest I might not do that badly.
If I get enough.. this goes to the media and we look to get a response from the RFL themselves..
Nothing might come from it.. but there are enough people sick of being treated this way that something might.
I assume you'll both be signing???

The championship clubs would have to stand together and buoycott league fixtures featuring toulouse. Not going to happen though is it.

I'd sign it to be fair, I can't believe theyve come out with this

Is there actually any comment or quote to back up the claim of the OP?

References to a story in League Express. However, as it doesn't publish its stories online – though you can buy a pdf to read online for £1.30 – ...

I won't. Not because I agree with the RFL (see earlier post) but because it's a daft idea that will achieve nothing regardless of how many signatures you get. Petitioning HM Government to do something about an issue that they have absolutely no authority over or interest in is a waste of time.

As for 'going to the media' you'll be lucky to get 30 seconds on local radio.

If this is true then there will be another SL club worried right now. I'm still convinced Widnes will get the nod. So that's possibly Toulouse (given today's goalpost shift) and Widnes in. Who's out?

At the moment it's Salford but who's going to join them? Strangely enough and contrary to the expansionists wishes i think it could possibly be Harlequins. The RFL would be hard pushed to oust Wakefield, especially with their on-field performances of late. Any others? Castleford? Crusaders? Unlikely.

Therefore, if i had to put my semi-detatched on it the following would be the running order:

Salford
Harlequins
>>
>>
>>
Crusaders
Wakefield
Castleford

Next year is going to be a real ding dang do !!

My copy arrives Tuesday. Just seems strange no other outlet has commented on it.

Harlequins are certainly in the mix, but I wouldn't be so sure that either Wakey or Cas are that much safer. Think that will rather strongly depend on how their respective stadium projects progress.


Indeed. Every chance that there'll be more people hacked off than happy.

why does it seem strange?
who,outside the championships actually gives a flying f__k about whats going on in RL.

This is the problem now. What the hell IS the priority of the RFL? How will they percieve the non-action on promised stadiums? Will they use the opportunity to "punish" those who haven't fulfilled the stadium criteria? If so, how do you separate the likes of Saints vs Cas/Wakey/Salford? The RFL ceratinly know how to make a rod for their own back. Do they care? Probably not if they've got their long-term specs on. In ten years time no-one will give a hoot.

The priority of the RFL is pretty evidently to make the sport (at least appear to be) modern and professional. Good stadia are an important aspect of that agenda and so I expect it to weigh heavily in the assessment of future applications - particularly where promises have been made that may not have come to pass for a variety of reasons.

You differentiate between Saints and the rest through use of other aspects of the criteria - most likely the 'contribution to competition' aspect. Or just make the decision you want and justify it later.


That seems to be their stance. "One day you'll thank us for this, guys".

Add a club like Widnes and you get no less than 6 extra derby games. Go figure...

I'm just writing out my nomination for Messrs Lewis & Wood for the 2020 New Years Honours list. God bless 'em.

No way will the Harlequins be dropped. No chance at all.
[urlhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/london/8509461.stm[/url

Key words:
=#0040BFthe [size=150success[/size of Harlequins is paramount to the future of Super League.

This statement could just as well have been a warning shot across their bow. Shape up, or ship out?

Possibly common law but the RFL and the clubs are at a close proximity so that it wouldn't be unreasonable to suggest that, an act or omission on the part of the RFL has caused any of the clubs loss. Whether that be costs associated with the preparation of the SL Applications or whatever.

The grounds for the criteria for SL admission are based on the clubs agreeing to the decisions that have been made. The fact they've signed something amounting to an agreement to abide by the any decisions proves there is some sort of contract in place in any sense, depends what the terms of it are. However, at common law and not contract law it could be implied that the process that has determined those decisions is carried out in a reasonable, just and fair manner. If the clubs can prove that such a process was not carried out in a fair manner then it is likely there could be a case for court. That on the face of it without knowing all the paperwork in place is one possible route for clubs to go down should they consider that route.

Found this: www./news_3335-tou ... eague.html But it looks to be lifted direct from here and has no quotes at all from the RFL confirming this "change".

Found this: www./news_3335-tou ... eague.html But it looks to be lifted direct from here and has no quotes at all from the RFL confirming this "change".

The RFL will persist with them, whether or not it is a warning shot across their bow.

To be honest, i've given up predicting what they will do next.

One heartland club will go, unless it all goes tits up at the Crusaders. Toulouse will get the nod.

They’re in, no doubt about that in my mind. Like you’ve already said, it’s possible that two current clubs will be dropped and, as last time, one expansion club and one traditional club will be promoted – though I think this is a long shot.