And what about the commercial potential, which is the area where the clubs are arguably making the least contribution?

Of course, potential has to be realised and with the greatest respect, we really need to be aspiring to have a situation where games in our premier competition are being watched by more than 5,500. What Leigh has experienced is good YOY growth on last year, but given the change in circumstances, the acid test is in year two and three. What do you honestly see as a realistic average to aspire to for Leigh?

We really need to be looking at adding 2,3,4 and even 5 thousand to those figures in the near future if we are to realise the sort of growth that the sport needs to address the challenges we have, and I'm sure you can accept that on that front, Catalans offers a better opportunity to do that than Leigh? I don't think Leigh has that market and I don't think that's a statement to be offended by.

I'm very sceptical that we will reach those sort of averages as the game is currently structured, but that in my view is down to poor marketing at club level - an issue that I don't see changing and that is ultimately what makes me a pro-expansionist. I simply don't think that the clubs at the lower end of Super League are capable of engaging those new audiences that we need.

I maintain that its very disappointing that Leigh doesn't run an academy already - many clubs below them do and it really should be a pre-requisite of SL entry.

Sorry, i don't have time for people like you. If you're so concerned about Leigh, You need to contact DB or a board member who is privy to something i'm not.

Oh well. I tried being fair and constructive.

You keep thinking that people are prefering Catalans based on a hatred of Leigh or the prospect of a weekend away, rather than the future viability of the sport. There's a good flatcapper.

Would you like another decade of a closed shop to put that right?

I would be more than happy to see a return to some model of licencing where one of the standards imposed on clubs, amongst others, to be ticket revenue growth.

If you want to interpret that as "closed shop", you're free to do so. I'd prefer to see it as trying to find a make-up of clubs that can actually help the sport achieve what it should be achieving - developing and attracting the best possible talent, improving standards and facilities, stopping us from becoming a feeder competition for the NRL and RU, and putting on the most entertaining product possible for both spectators and broadcasters.

Once we actually have clubs who can all make a contribution to the sport's primary league, rather than riding on the coat tails of a handful of others, then I'd be more than happy to see P&R in some form - but we're a long way from that.

But Leigh are hardly in a position to throw stones in the direction of that particular greenhouse, given that the club has historically voted against automatic P&R from the Conference into what is now League 1.

=#FF0000No,you have not.


Look, the sport has been in demise for some time with Catalans in SL. I will reiterate, that Leigh haven't been given time to establish themselves in the top flight. It's unfair to say they bring nothing when they haven't been given a proper chance to prove it. If you think different, and need more info,then like iv'e already said, Contact the club and find out more to things i'm not privy to. It's snobs like you that gets on my T!T.

There are teams below Leigh that have managed implement academy systems. How much time does the Leigh club need before it establishes one and starts making a contribution to the talent pool?

This thread, and the other one on a similar subject, as simply seen people explain why they would prefer Catalans to win on Saturday. You've spat your dummy out because you don't like the answer to the questions asked and dismissed perfectly fair reasoning from myself and others as "fans just looking for a jolly". It's the sort of petulance you expect from a child.

And there is nothing snobbish about wanting to see the sport I love grow and be as good as it possibly can be.

Everyone of your suggestions has already been tried,tested and failed. Do you have anything else in your bag of tricks to offer. Twelve years on and the Catalans find themselves in the MPG. Are they going forward or backwards?

BUT IT'S NOT GROWING IS IT!!!

Are you just F@@@@@@ winding me up?

How many times do you need telling about the academy for next season? Stop being so F@@@@@@ stupid.

atomic,you're wasting your time with this idiot.

Interesting that quite a few have voted for Catalan just for the holiday.

Apart from the vacation, what else do they actually bring to SL

Roy, Maybe you can get through to them,i can't.

Where did I say it was? I said I wanted the sport to grow. It's pretty clear that I'm frustrated that it isn't. My argument is that between the two options that I think will deliver that, Catalans are the one I would pick. Seriously, it's not hard.

Clearly comprehension isn't your strong point and for someone who supposedly "doesn't have time for me", you seem to keep on coming back.

We tried licencing for six years - six. In that time, there were no KPIs based on revenue growth. I maintain that a properly implemented licencing system, in the current RL climate, is the best approach.

Leigh have historically been in favour for a closed shop for those below them. What's good for the goose is good for the gander, surely?

Not sure there was a specific thread but distinctly remember the vast majority (even FC fans!) on here wanting KR to win the MPG last year!

Average gates between 7-8k supporters.
An extended reach of the league.
A European television contract.
Additional TV coverage in the UK that didn't exist before their TV contract.
A portfolio of sponsors that, over their life, has included Nike and subsidaries of Renault and Air France-KLM.
A significantly redeveloped stadium.
A highly rated academy.
An extension of the European talent pool.
And yeah, and I'll say it, a nice jolly.

What more would you like them to bring other than.....drumroll..... "away fans"?

How many other clubs contribute even close to that?

Best post Award to the Printer !

Sorry Printer but Parkside Freddie scored a last minute winner !

Why didn't you have an academy for this season? Genuine question

Do you think an academy to Leigh is new a concept? Until the rules are adjusted to cater for academies v club set up's,I dont see the benefit in having one at present.

Obviously not worked for Catalans.So lets crack on.

there's some tetchy leythers on here, wonder whether it's the prospect of having 2 seasons in the same decade in Super League that's scaring them???

I actually thought our season average over regular rounds was just over 6,000 with a high of 9,012 v Saints *who were the best/biggest supported away Club at LSV.
If so this gives us an average a little less than Wakey (who have just had a fantastic season) possibly more than Huddersfield & quite a bit more than both Widnes & obviously Salford, not bad for a 1st season back & in the bottom 4 ?

I can only guess that it would be feasible to grow that average by as much as 1500 - 2000 given a modicum of success, i.e top 8 & half decent CC run, would be nice if some supposedly well supported Clubs could bring a strong away following too *Wigan*.

Hi Bramley.

Leigh are all set to go now regards Academy status, just 1 season after entry to SL & without any guarantees of future membership of SL, I don't feel that's too bad is it ?
2 'Big' Clubs F.C & K.R 'Share' an Academy having previously ran their own.

There is much that goes for having a Catalans or Toulouse (preferably both) & a Toronto & London, if it were me then I would put all 3 on notice to prepare for direct entry in 2019.

Let's return to Leigh's 2nd season v Catalans decade in SL.
Firstly it must be so much easier to prepare & set up for Academy status & also for recruitment on a general level when as a club you are gifted direct entry & guaranteed membership for 6, yes six years !
Should Leigh have had an Academy before entry to SL ? Well yes, if a) they could afford it & b) we had anyone to play with that Academy.

In terms of talent pool, is it not our amateur Clubs that are providing that talent to our professional clubs for them to polish ? In which case the town of Leigh provides plenty.

What is certain in this Leigh v Catalans debate is that 'directly' via the turnstiles Leigh are of greater benefit to 'every' SL Club, what is indeterminable is what Catalans presence in SL brings financially to the SL table & how much of that the RFL pass on.

I assume that those who favour a return to 'Franchising' are also in favour of the criteria for modern SL standard stadia, as was forced by threat of expulsion on Salford ? Maybe this time that criteria could be enforced to the letter.

#OneMoreGame

There is more to RUGBY LEAGUE life, than 'Sooper Dooper' League pal, but it's that pathetic line typed by other numpty's that is annoying. "What do Leigh BRING to Sooper League" Like the one's who have typed that, give a to55 what their club do or don't BRING to the game. It's just a 'wind up' comment by expansion lovers, or folk who don't like our owner/club.

As a London RL fan I can appreciate the irony of discussing "attendances' but the reality is that Leigh have a potential to get to maybe a 7k average at best......and that's it. Nothing wrong with that....Leeds united get twice the crowds of the Rhinos and Leeds Rhinos are arguably the biggest club we have. Catalans have the potential to get 20k if not more...so for the good of the games growth, the French to stay please.