Toronto and Toulouse have failed to ignite interest in Rugby League in Toronto and Toulouse, but apparently the sale of Beer, Hot-dogs and Gazebo's has gone up by 1% in Ontario.

If that was true. Why aren't we awash with French marketing and sponsors? Why is the only French TV channel showing RL Al Jazeerer (spelling)? Why did the French magic weekend only get 2,500 and 2,000? Why is the elite 1 still struggling to get attendances and Marketing?

Given that catalans have been in sl for 12/13 years.

Toulouse might make a further dent, but no were near what you seem to think.

He's currently serving a 7 day ban from here.

What timeframe are you giving Toulouse to ignite a bigger interest?, they have been around for a while in the league.


Catalan get generous away support due to its location for away fans to combine the game with a holiday (quite a few venture to Spain rather than France itself).

And there you go again slating other teams, you cant help yourself can you.

Multiple identities if you ask me

The only issue here is you are talking long term plans from a financial point of view. The game requires a short term plan with a major view to youth developement. A handful of youth coming through now and again doesn't support the needs of the sport.

The game needs stability in order to support expansion,not the other way round.

Youngsters taking up RL and going down to their local club is a huge problem, just as it is for other sports.
With so much tech & facebook etc, kids (and adults) are happy to stare at their various screens, rather than actually do something and the issue with the current format is that most coaches dont trust the youngsters enough when it comes to the "business end of the season" and just as in years gone by, they put their faith in "journeyman" pros.

This was the major plus point of the old franchising system.

Also, EVERY SL club, without exception should be running their own academy's - no excuses

Of course it was....there were no ageing/average Aussies coming over and teams were packed with youngsters, weren't they?

Actually, yes.
There was a rule change, forcing the clubs to have more "home grown" players in their squads and without the threat of relegation, there were more young British (and French) players getting more game time.
Of course there were still too many overseas players sloshing around in the system as well but, without doubt there were more youngsters getting some game time.

By the way, I'm not blaming the coaches for taking experience over youth, just pointing out that with survival being so important, EVERY side will try and strengthen and who do you think they are going to sign ??

To be fair quite a lot of youngsters have been getting game the last couple of years. Including at the lower table sides. Look at widnes. Wetherby the quality is up to scratch is a different argument.
.in
On topic, if Leigh get in. With Toronto and Toulouse (especially at home). You'd think there is potential for a few upsets.
For a neutral it could be a fantastic middle 8's comp.

The 'quota' rules were introduced in 2008, the year before 'franchising' started. Those rules were tightened over the following 3 seasons so 'franchising' itself was hardly the reason.

Makes no difference. The point being made is the youth was forgotten. They can change the names to an academy and make it sound better. We had a game that players went from the community game to reserves/A teams, a very clear pathway.

Do you think they will ever create that clear pathway again?

Apparently he has been banned from posting on the VT.

Which is a shame, I find his posts quite entertaining.