Thanks Dunkirk, that's a really useful intervention.

Whilst I technically agree, do you honestly think the existing teams in SL will have no input?

No more input than Nigel Wood, I would guess

Of course there will be a significant amount of lobbying going on, and the existing SL clubs will no doubt be having a lot to say to the people making the final decision. This isn't a decision that will be taken in isolation either and there will be lots of other ways in which pressure is brought to bear.

The Bradford Bulls is the vehicle of Nigel Wood, no doubt about it. I'm sure if he can get the club into SL he will be doing his utmost. That £1m won't spend itself. Whether it would get spent on the Bulls is another matter. Certainly it wouldn't scratch the surface of what's needed to do Odsal up.

If the Bulls did get the nod they'd need to get the ground fixed up to a bare minimum level (certainly not cheap as it's been left to rot for 8 years). Then they'd need to recruit some players to have even the remotest chance of staying up - and most of the better players will be under contract by then.

That first season in SL in 2021 would most likely be as cannon fodder - rather like 2017 in the championship when we were told to stay up and we played kids that got battered. Certs for relegation and probable administration again.

No thanks.

Hypothetically, could you imagine a scenario where we are encouraged to apply and to accept reduced funding, because we've been given the nod and wink that at the end of 2021 SL becomes a closed shop again. It's only with some sort of back-office dealings that elevating us to the top-flight makes any logistical sense.

Then ask yourself would you be willing to be a one season cannon-fodder and the hatred from some opposition fans, if it lead to an improved Odsal and a preserved spot in SL.

Pumps it's all just re-arranging the deckchairs on the Titanic. The sport is on its knees.

To plumb the Titanic metaphor a bit more us getting into SL next year is like moving to the stern of the ship and leaving the championship clubs at the rapidly sinking bow.

Meanwhile a few decent players hop on lifeboats to the NRL.

Well having been away from the forum most of lockdown I thought I would have a venture on and see whats being said. I am in total agreeance with everything said. I want us nowhere near, the last reason why is the fallout from other clubs! As has been said we are nowhere near ready.

With regards the money, Pumpetypump is the only one I have seen mention after 2021, surely a club applying such as ourselves who for me will be on the brink, should be asking what is in liklihood going to happen in 2022. Can only see Beaumont being daft enough to expect to finish 11th or higher by throwing obscene money at yet more washed up aussies.

If we get in this for me stems right back to Davod Thorn having his bid rejected as there would be an underhand way coming up we would get in despite having owners who would shaft us yet again, it does seem everything has played out for Wood to enventually be in charge.

For me this is the last thing on earth we need. I mean for god sake we are signing aged players like brough (could be shrewd only time will tell not disrespecting brough there) and letting young props like Kirk who has been developing very very well go! We still have people at the club for me making wrong decisions now. God help us if we are chosen. For what its worth for me it should be London. 70% of their squad homegrown, a dedicated owner guaranted to make sure thye are ok if needed, only thing lacking is fanbase

Hard to disagree with most of this. I actually think we're improving and was looking forward to a cracking campaign against some strong Championship teams. I really fancy us to create a buzz for the first time in many years, possibly bringing fans and interest back to the club. The club that gets chosen finds out mid December and must create a SL squad by March, including a pre-season. It's not just a bad idea for us, it's a bad idea for any club. I want to see Scurr and Gallagher and Doyle, Hallas, Nzoungou serve it up to Fev and Leigh. I don't want to watch Olbison and Lussick (no disrespect) come off second best at Huddersfield.

If Wood's behind this at least he could come out and explain why this isn't going to be soul crushing fiasco.

Wood won't be explaining anything.

When people say we're not ready I don't think it's an issue. There are a load of players at toronto that would be happy to sign for a superleague club and players would become available.

What worries me is the idea of us going back to Odsal and the finances required as we would operate at a big loss.

That said come 2022 who knows what will be left of RL in this country? So you might as well have a bash.

Are we going to TUPE across Sonny Bill Williams?

I suppose it depends what the deal is if we are funding the work on renovations and I’ve been told it isn’t a lick of paint but a refurb, this increases the value of odsal a Rfl held asset that I’m sure they would want doing so maybe rented to us at a significantly reduced rate at the threat of us leaving again and then getting nothing. Though I do know I’m being far too positive...

Anyone know if its true that work has already started at Odsal?

Have you heard he could be quite ill, too?