This list of venues is a total and complete embarassment for the RFL.
The first mistake is to spread the games out over a 1500 miles radius. Arent we supposed to be in a recession? Are people going to travel those distances for games? Didnt Toulouse withdraw from NL1 due to costs? Baffling.
We here in Sheffield had a very serious bid. RL is very much on the up here. We reached the grand final which has sparked interest, Aston is the Ireland coach and we have a huge youth system. The game is really growing in Sheffield. A World Cup game (well promoted) in Sheffield could be a massive step for the growth of the game. The decision not to award Bramall Lane even one game is bad enough, but some of the "stadiums" (and i use that term very loosley in some cases) that have been chosen are just ridiculous.
Isnt this World Cup supposed to be held in England and Wales? So why have France and Ireland got games? Have the UK annexed these countries into the commonwealth?
Bristol, i know the sonics are doing an outstanding job promoting the game in the area and they deservce credit for that, but is the city really going to attract a massive crowd for an RL game. I expect not.
Halifax, could someone explain why The Shay has been chosen ahead of Bramall Lane and the Keepmoat, both of which have much better facilities and capacities and are not even a hour away?
Rochdale? I dont even know where to start.
Neath? You cant get there by train and back at a civilised time and the ground is pathetically small.
I can only assume that the RFL are going for smaller grounds for better atmospheres. This is going to be a huge error if the local population doesnt attend. And given the scattered nature of the venues, its going to be mostly local crowds going.
It really does defy belief. Just when you think the RFL cant humiliate itself anymore, it sinks to a new low.
Time for a top level clearout. We need a full review and a new list of venues drawing up before this whole thing decends into farce.
