Quote: Jamie101 "The idea of expansion in to big cities is definitely the right one by RL, but aiming for Toronto and putting its eggs in that basket was ridiculously flawed. Where is the attraction for people in Toronto watching a new and exciting sport to them, but seeing the mighty Toronto Wolfpack take on the world-known 'Castleford' or 'Warrington' team - what weight do those places carry on a UK scale, let alone a transatlantic one? If it was 'Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield' at least they will carry a bit more gravitas as they are known for things, whether it be popular culture like music and the Beatles, Oasis, Stone Roses, Arctic Monkeys, Human League, television and film or football teams that are well / better known.
As a floating fan sat in Toronto, googling Leeds I would be a bit excited, but then googling all about Cas and what its significance is, or how significant a place Wakefield is would begin to undermine the excitement and glamour of the show - like being an 19 year old at a 10 year olds birthday party, surrounded by 9-12 year olds in size differential.
Sure it looks good and exciting for all the kids having an edgy and cool young person there, but the 19 year old will sharp lose interest if no other edgy, cool or different teenagers make an appearance.'"
This is it really, the game constantly has an internal battle against itself. On one hand feeling the need to expand into new markets, but on the other having a history, a heartland that is of little interest to bigger sponsors and outside markets. Yet a heartland that is still so important because that's where people start playing the game from a young age.