I'm all for expansion. It really gets my when fans of clubs that have stood still for 70 years moan about an expansionist team, who dare to do more in 5 years, than some "traditional" clubs have in 50.

HOWEVER

The RFL need to think about what sort of league we will have. If we have a competition of New York, Toronto, Catalans, Toulouse, what impact will have have on the English game? Is that what the RFL want the end goal to be? A league with teams from USA, Canada, France and England?

Where were New Hunslet based? I forget....

Won't make any difference; if brexit comes to pass they won't get visas anyway....

It's funny because it's true.

Is there any other sport in the world that expands into other contries whilst it's domestic competition falls apart.

NRL has the Warriors I suppose.

While I'm all for expansion and it's crucial for the game I'm not sure how having teams in the US and Canada swallowing up players from the UK actually helps develop the game here or there. It doesn't look like building solid foundations to me. Unless the game in America is able to produce its own players then isn't it just a parasite on the withering UK game?

I've always though RL would suit the American psyche and physiology down to the ground. It's fast and furious, easy to understand and is largely played by big hulking blokes - and if there is one country where they have thousands of 130 kg plus sized blokes who love running full tilt into each other, it the good ol' US of A. They go to college and try to play US football to NFL standard but most simply don't make it - how many of those thousands, just on the principle of numbers alone, are bound to suit RL down to the ground?

They could have their own league in a few years - now that [iwould[/i give the Aussies something to worry about!

I'd like to see plans for how they will actually get all those football players that didn't make the grade. All this talk of new clubs seems to be short on that detail to me. It would also take many years to happen. You'd need a pathway from school to lower tier teams to the top flight. Just putting a load of ex-footballers in RL kit and sending them out to play isn't likely to be a success.

Sky sports saying New York will be looking to start in the championship and not league 1. I wonder if that's in Rimmers rule book

To be fair, my knowledge of US sport is somewhat sketchy, though I enjoy watching their football games.

I do know that NFL is very, very big over there and so is college football but I know nothing about any amateur football game they might have. I don't know what happens to all the college kids who finish their courses, maybe as a reasonably big success in football, but fail to make the jump to pro in the NFL. I do know that relatively few of those thousands in college DO get picked by one of the NFL clubs, which must leave a big majority who don't. I'd guess many of them were specifically sports oriented and gained access to college on that basis, so would definitely be hoping to make the grade as a pro sportsperson and might be attracted to another sport which may actually suit their particular skill set better.

You're correct. It certainly wouldn't happen overnight, but it seems to me that the potential is there providing there is someone to take the plunge. Maybe the New York franchise is that toe in the water.

If not it soon will be. I doubt he'll be seen at another forum at Odsal again

I think we've already worked out Rimmer's view on rules and how they apply (or don't) to the RFL.

I'll stick to following Millwall, it's less travelling

This is my worry, Im not especially against or for expansion, If it happens naturally and adds to the game Im all for it, but would we be happy with the possible end game? Lets assume these new clubs have serious backing, they will attract top players. So the future SL containing Toronto, NY, Toulouse, Catalan, etc, what happens when we get the inevitable New York Vs Toronto Grand final. As awesome as that sounds will old Trafford be half full?

Also from a selfish point of view, I like the atmosphere at a game generated by having two sets of fans. I am absolutely not talking about income from away fans, but a season made up of more teams without any away fans doesn't appeal to me. (I realise as far as the Bulls are concerned its largely theoretical as we're about as far from super league as the unformed NY team)