Looking at the expansion of our game i think Tolouse are only in NL is too help them setup for SL. Once they are established like Catalans are i feel the RFL will start on another French club again to keep building the French game. Then say in 30 years time, a long time i know, their will be a french league that could match that of Super somewhat. I think that is the only way to improve our game internationally.

I reckon the league will do the same with Wales, Ireland and Scotland - In the next few years get teams into NL3 & 2 and support them in the move up the ladder to help them apply for super league in say 10 years time then help them develop their own leagues greater. The downside with this is that the leagues could be poorly followed with low skill from players.

Another option the RFL could take is too keep expanding the Super League to include around 20 clubs with say 12 from England and 2 from the four other countries. I think the amount of games though would take the toll on players with the add on of travelling further and would leave less and less time for international events like the WC.

Either option has its positives and negatives what else do people think will help the expansion of our wonderful game.

Nah, they'll develop their own players in the LER, then we will loan them fringe players during the NL1 season.

Just out of interest how is the Toulouse squad shaping up in that case? What other players are on the books and where have they come from?

Will Damian Couturier be playing for Toulouse next season?

Reports from Carlos and Cedric on Staurday said they were champing at the bit to get a game against the Dragons. Damian Coutourier will be playing for the Olympique this season, and as well as on their website, when I can drag the squad list off the dog who thinks it's her dinner, (which Cedric kindly e-mailed me), I will post it on the site. Or you can get it from John D, the oracle, who told Cedric on Saturday twenty of his players and their squad numbers before Cedric had chance to open his mouth!!! (Think he may be picking the team for the Widnes game in march).

Think your a bit 'off-base' with your thinking that the ponential Elite 1 team will feature top Olympic C1 players.....yes, maybe for a few games just prior to start of the C1 season except for one or two fitness hit-up's at most.......but for 3/4 of Elite 1 and then for the full C1 season NO WAY......it will mean player 'burn out' big time.

I think that the TO team in the LER will be a very weak side, potentially bottom of the pile material. It will be made up of the current academy side, bolstered by visits from out-of-favour or fringe C1 players and possibly those that need to re-gain match fitness (say, after injury).

UTC:Catalans gives an example of how it will work.

This does not preclude some top C1 players making it into the LER side though.