Fair enough, if the evidence supports this. For the record, I wouldn't like to see them out of SL and I don't think that any of the clubs seeking a franchise is currently stronger. But they continue to be weak on several fronts therefore player development is absolutely critical to their continued presence in SL. For this reason, their effectiveness with regard to player development should be monitored very closely - and evidence of their success should be made public.

I don't want Quins to go . I rather enjoy my day out when we play them away . Much rather Cru went instead .

I'd be very very very surprised if more than one current SL club lost their license tomorrow. I'm split over whether I want Quins in the competition. On one hand, they don't offer much to top-level RL on or off the field. On the other I can see the strategic benefits of having a London club in the SL and it is certain that grassroots RL has benefited during the SL ear with a London club present. Whether this is coincidental or not is a matter of opinion.

I think Wakefield will get the chop tomorrow - they fail too many of the criteria and sadly are not of great strategic importance to the RFL's expansionary policies.

Personally, I'd like the competition to be expanded with promotion and relegation re-instated. I think this could be a possibility in 10 years time when we have 20+ clubs which have modern facilities, solid academy/youth structures, sound finances and when they can all be competitive. Here's got the future

I'd agree in principle Mirfield, but I think it'll be a lot longer than 10 years before there are 20 stable, contributing clubs in SL. I think we should aim for 14 clubs in 10 years time and then look to add 1 or 2 more teams but continuing with franchising.

In my opinion franchising has to be in place for a long time (ie decades) before the league/sport will be strong enough to return to P&R. We, as a sport, have to have the balls to see the process through.

I think you are right but I think this 'Wakefield fail too many of the criteria' is what the RFL have, through the media, seemingly tried to perpetuate and unfortunately, too many people seem to have just fallen for it!

There was a post went up on the Wakey board over the weekend and someone at the RFL had allegedly put up the results of the recent survey/audit of the Academy and youth set up at all the clubs. It was spotted and allegedly taken down off the RFL website. Why? Again, allegedly, this showed (based on a simple traffic light system) that Wakefield were one of only four clubs in the whole of the 3 professional leagues to get a green! Now, it could be rubbish but the thread about it was deleted because one of the mods was asked to delete it. The threads about why it was deleted were also then locked and have been deleted. This didn't strike me as been an elaborate wind-up and if it was, we all know RL Fans very well, why was it not left? I don't do conspiracy theories, but I smell a rat here!

They also have arguably the best community set-up in Super League (but if not the best certainly top three) and it is no secret that this club has borrowed many of their ideas with pride when it comes to the community side of things.

So, possibly two areas where they score very well?

The corporate side of their operation is also well regarded, while not been the best, it is far from being the worst.

It is also rumoured that Wakefield's actual franchise application was very well put together and a very professional document was submitted and that the RFL were both surprised and impressed! They put the effort in because they knew what was at stake while a few of the clubs who are under no real threat have submitted documents that leave a lot to be desired!

Finally, we have the Crusaders situation! Can the RFL be truly independent when they have a vested financial interest in one of the applicant clubs staying in SL, even under the banner of expansion! They kick out Crusaders and they not only lose face, but lose circa £700k as well... tough call eh?

The good news for Wakefield could be that Crusaders, IMO, don't look likley to survive into next season and now with the issue of the take-over of Wrexham FC and purchasing of the Racecourse by the University making things even more complicated and difficult for their continued survival as a club, never mind in SL.

I think Crusaders should go and the only reason the RFL will keep them there is money and pride, it has failed and they should look back to South Wales for longer term expansion of the game!

Crusaders to go for me, if Wakey don't get planning permission then they should be replaced by Halifax
The admission that franchising offers little if anything for the good of the game that isnt achieved by other rules would be my ideal situation, P+R back for 2014!

Wakey are orft to the CC, and a possible surprise could be Cas joining them.

Come on Billy, even the RFL can't kick Cas out, Stadium progress or not, they are already going to look like prize numpties for kicking Wakefield out ahead of Crusaders, kicking out a club in 6th in SL and the CC semi-final... you are kidding right?

They were also, allegedly, one of the three other clubs who got a green light for the academy set up!!!

Just a warning for anyone who is thinking of "enjoying" themselves by gloating on the WTW board tomorrow - don't.

Thats all, just lock yourselves in the bathroom with some porn instead or you might find that you have no user accounts left and I'm not interested in pleading your case.

what a croc of .......

Even McF knows Wakey are getting the boot... it is the worst kept secret in RL!

Really hope Wakefield get one tbh but they have little chance.Crusaders should be gone.

Finally someone points it out, its all the media's fault. Its all a big rouse and a media construct, Belle Vue is on a par with Wembley in real-life.


Did you know Crusaders have never paid any of their players anything? they are definitely bust, they have more debt than the Irish Government. In fact they started in the semi-pro ranks in 2006, by 2007 there was a worldwide banking crisis, coincidence? well ill leave you to make up your own minds but I think it is only the RFL's pride and stubbornness that is keeping Crusaders afloat and as such keeping the world in this extended period of low growth.

The good news for Wakefield is Crusaders actually killed Diana, She was Princess of Wales you see and they wanted to sell her jewels so in the future they could pay Jarrod Sammut. Now, allegedly this was posted on the Wakey board over the weekend after someone at the RFL accidently put it up on the website. Once it was spotted it was taken down but the plan they had to kill Diana which was as fiendish as it was simple, suffice to say it included superglue, a badger and Barry Manilow. This didn't strike me as been an elaborate wind-up and if it was, we all know RL Fans very well, why was it not left? I don't do conspiracy theories, but I smell a rat here! And a Badger!