: Mon Mar 30, 2009 8:07 pm
Geekay wrote:
Add into the "won't be relegated" category, Celtic Crusaders and Catalans and it doesn't leave many that could be relegated. It is all just a paper exercise though as it is obvious that SL will probably go to 16 teams in 2011 with one of Widnes or Halifax plus probably Toulouse.
After that, who knows? I suspect there would be no change until they have have groomed a Scottish or Irish club for entry in about 2014 at the earliest.
Meanwhile you will get clubs with no chance whatsoever in the Championship wasting money year upon year chasing the dream and fans getting more and more disillusioned and packing in rugby league.
In case you didn't notice, Toulouse is being groomed for a place in Super League.
Also, Wakefield's inability to get a Super League standard stadium will likely doom its reapplication bid in 2011.
Leigh has been deemed redundant by the new head of Sports England.
My guess is that in 2011 we will be informed that Wakefield have beeen relegated, and new licences have been granted to Toulouse, Widnes, and either Sheffield or Doncaster.
2014 may well see serious consideration of a second London club bid, as well as Newcastle/Gateshead, a Scottish club, an Irish club, Paris and Barcelona.
Those of the above not successful, or not considered, in 2014, are likely to be considered in 2017.