I wasn't aware Batley were interested in getting one.

i really dont think bradford can rest on their laurels ,they may escape this time ,but when the next round comes who knows?

Unless Bradford go tits up I doubt they are under any threat.

Despite what some fans may say about Odsal, the RFL don't appear to have a problem with it.

Looking at the criteria for promotion then Widnes are the only ones that meet them, so that's not a tough question.

In terms of who they will replace, if the criteria were the same it would have to be crusaders as they have gone bust once and are in trouble again this year, I wonder which will be chosen first, the team to be removed or the criteria that are used to decide? I hope we see fair and logical criteria released and confirmed before the decision and that they are the ones used in the decision process, I hope the criteria are strict and that if for example you dont have any "new" ground ready to play in on the day the applications they are not counted as being available.

if we have more teams who could be superleague teams than places in the superleague then it's time for promotion and relegation again please

In: Widnes seem the clear favorites, although based on results, they shouldn't be anywhere near good enough for SL.
Out: Cas or Wakey. First to guarantee a ground will be built will be in.

I dont think they are although they are eligible to apply due to winning the cup.

They way Crusaders and Quinns have been protected that won't happen mate.

Doubt Bradford will be in trouble this time around. I would be unhappy to see a recently sucessful side which has hit hard times recently be let to rot.

Cas & Wakey for me

hope Halifax get it. They should be reasonably good, but unlike Widnes their ground actually has some character and isn't just a copy of the JJB.

It won't be Catalans, Harlequins or Crusaders (I suspect) so of the others here's my brief critique:

Castleford and Salford seem to be well on with their stadium plans, which although that alone doesn't guarantee a place in SL, it's a big benefit. I'd be a bit surprised to see either of them drop out, and don't necessarily believe that a "newcomer" would offer more to SL.

Wakefield also have plans for their new stadium, and also have a good youth setup with their own kids regularly coming into the first team. This is their major plus, although they have been in and around the top 6 for a few years. Would a newcomer replicate their on field record within 3 years?

Bradford have a good history in SL, but that's exactly what it is "history". It's been a little while since they have been really competitive, and with falling crowds they should be looking over their shoulders. One thing in their favour is their return to producing their own players again via the academy structures, which is really good news after dropping this a few years ago. I'd be surprised to see Bradford drop out of SL.

For mine, I'd actually be surprised to see any of the possible newcomers displace any of the current incumbents as they wouldn't offer enough potential to make the change worthwhile. I hear what the RFL have said, but I'm not convinced that they will actually see it through.

Care to back up that comment with evidence ?

Sports grounds safety licences tend to be issued by the local authority, so I suggest you direct your investigations in that direction ....

By the way, 2009 saw the LOWEST EVER annual total of workplace deaths in the UK ... Perhaps there might be a reason for that ?

Waht about Toulouse in and have a Catalan Vs French derby ?

Crusaders out - Widness in.

It's also worth noting that the article says [i'AT LEAST ....'[/i and could quite easily mean two or even three clubs are off to the National League.

Maybe Cas, Wakey and Salford out and Toulouse, Barrow and Halifax in ?