The whole system is bent and we all know it. If Fax moved to Penzance this summer we'd be in.

The whole game is built solely around geography and appearing more important than it really is. It isn't going to change and the longer we all take it the longer it will continue.

Ultimately every level of the game below SL will need to breakaway and form its own governing body. It will cause hell for a while but it is the only way it will ever get sorted - exactly as it did in Oz a few years back.

If it wasn't for my love of Fax I would turn my back on the "game" for ever

MEOW!!

I think that if Toulouse get stuck in Super League next season all hell will break loose at widnes!!

The RFL will always do what they want and clubs such as Halifax will let them because we keep voting in favour of these type of changes. To be totally honest if Widnes dont get in through ticking boxes then its a joke. They are clearly the only team based on criteria right now that should do so.

The fact is if Toulouse get into Super League its a complete joke as they tick about as many boxes as Brighouse Rangers under 9s. If that **** **** Richard Lewis lets them in then it is the final nail in the coffin for the Franchise system as far as I am concerned they have not even got close to any finals if it does happen we all need to get together and have a protest at Red hall and show these clowns us fans wont put up with anymore of this crap. Rant over.

[iEdited by TS.

I have removed the last bit. You just cannot issue threats like that.[/i

Chill!!!!!!......... Just as long as we can watch the mighty Halifax !

[iEdited by TS. See above post.[/i

I

I just can't stand the stupid system no more.

Thats the thing. This season I have been watching Halifax but the games just aren't the same anymore. A good win is great, for an hour or so afterwards. I am not sure that I could enjoy three more seasons of friendlies.

From the 2009-2011 aplications...RFL Comments. Has anything changed with Toulouse????

WIDNES VIKINGS
The stadium is an appropriate size and well appointed following significant investment in recent years. The club has been in the difficult position of seeking to take into account the club’s historical attendance and playing records but naturally distancing itself from the previous regime’s financial record. The current company has only been in existence for a few months following insolvency in October 2007. Early indications are that under new ownership the club has made very good progress so far and has attracted good sponsors and the support of the local authority. The club has maintained a reasonable playing infrastructure despite being in the National League but this would require further investment to ensure that they could be competitive in Super League particularly within Club Trained rules

TOULOUSE OLYMPIQUE
The club would offer geographic expansion and independent market research shows some support for Super League in Toulouse. Despite the club’s commendable commitment to player production there is a concern that it has a limited supply of Super League standard player talent in the area. The club has established strong business links and is well placed for commercial development, although the club would need to work hard to meet its financial projections. The application proposed using two quality facilities whilst the club’s own ground was being redeveloped.

can see this happening, felt it would last time story was mooted.

They won't get in for 2012, the more likely scenario is that they submit an application as a dry run for 2015.

can only submit if have won NRC or reached grand final. or have secret deal with RFL.

They've put a sub clause in their operational rules that means any overseas club failing to fulfill the criteria can still be "invited to apply" by the RFL. Before this morning, I was thinking that the Smogs might finally get in and I'd wish them all the best, but after reading about the change to the rules, there's no doubt in my mind that Toulouse are a shoe-in.

What is the point in Widnes setting up a u16s scholarship and a U18s Academy and a reserves team?We may aswell have had a experienced team and be competing near the top of this league.They have gone against criteria if they get in before Widnes.I hope Ste o connor has top lawyers and sues them.Saints,Wigan and Wire be happy with away support from Salford,Wakey,toulouse,catalans,london,crusaders?Away support brings a atmosphere and fans will just turn away.So if Toulouse came in it will be full of second rate aussies.Bring back promotion and relegation the game is a joke.I am that fed up i think i will walk away and watch football or union.

Is this sub-clause actually there, or are you making it up? If its there, put a link

Here are the last 3 Operational Rules regarding the Franchise System. Rules about applications start at A1

rlOperational Rules - Section A1 - Membership Obligations - Issue 7 - February 2009rl

rlOperational Rules - Section A1 - Membership Obligations - Issue 8 - January 2010rl