They should still be judged on the willows because thats were they're playing now.

No John , as much as we were unfairly treated , two wrongs don't make a right , Salford will play at Barton in the 2012 season , to ignore that fact would be childish , IMO of course

Just to add to the conspiracy theories, has anyone considered that Widnes's admission might be the pre-cursor for a merger between them and Crusaders? We all know Crusaders are in a precarious position and one which is unsustainable. If they are teetering, it could the reason Fax are being kept in the mix for July.

Not clutching at straws here but consider this;

(1) There is only 26 miles between the two towns
(2) Crusaders attendances are dire and Widnes have a strong fan base thus providing an immediate attendance boost for Wrexham games
(3) The RFL will save face as a presence is maintained in Wales thus supporting future development in the region
(4) Games can be split between Widnes and Wrexham with minimum inconvenience
(5) With Crusaders being a new club there wouldnt be the wholesale anger and rejection encountered the last time this was tried when SL came into existence (remember Calder )
(6) There is a proven succesful model in Aus (St George Illawarra Dragons) and we all know thats where the RFL get most of their ideas from

There is no doubt that Widnes would be dominant partner and the franchise would also have its attractions for Steve O'Conner and the Widnes board as they look to grow and secure the Vikings brand. Personally I think it would be a success and no doubt be used as an RFL model for the future mergers.

Just a thought..................

You know what thought did ?

In fact no I don't , what ' did ' thought do ? , does anybody know , I'll google it

Yes I was right

You know what thought did

But your after changing the rules to suit one club.
When salford handed there application in,theres no way could they give a guarantee to be in that stadium for the start of the season.Thats what the rfl said they will judge clubs on.

The difference is out here club identities are maintained. The Hudds-Sheff thing was an absorbtion of a failing club and Hudds had no intention/clue how to keep a hold of the Sheffield fans. If the RFL stipulate that Widnes must have the Welsh connection as part of their business, or lose the franchise, I could see it working. Huge business opportunity of you ask me and honestly, if it doesnt happen in July it will only be a matter of time.

By the way Starbug, I checked after the thought and there was nothing solid to worry myself about

i can't see the point of a team 20 miles from widnes with low support so a forced merger would be a rather neat solution for the RFL whilst a proper development team was fostered in south wales in the championship. might explain why widnes have been uber favourites for a sl application

Or just that they are the only club that can viably move up from the Championships , and compete from day one

Halifax are just been kept in as a fallback, in case another Super League club goes under in the next few months. There are obviously financial concerns still at Crusaders, probably other clubs which we are not aware of. If the rest of the clubs get through till July, we'll still be in the championship next year. Makes sense for the RFL to hedge their bets, but doesn't do our proud club any favours. We're a get-out option, nothing else.

But would you rather not be told so ?