There are not enough quality players to justify a 14 team SL. That was always the trouble when the league expanded, because at the same time the RFL reduced the allowed number of overseas players as well as now removing the reserve team leagues, meaning players have to be 1st team ready by the time they're 19 or they're out on their ear.

I've always thought that if a player is good enough then they'll break into the first team organically regardless of the overseas players in the team. I'd prefer overseas quotas were removed entirely and replaced with a reward system for clubs who develop and promote junior players through their ranks.

But back to the MPG, it is the illusion of promotion and relegation, nothing more. Will Wakefield be as poor next year as they have been this year? Only time will tell, as well as how much they're able to pay out to actually put together a team for next season with their dropping crowds and lack of investment. But even so, I wouldn't bet against them making a second appearance in the MPG in 2016

IIRC they're proposing to play some U23 friendlies.

Bit different to running a full time U23 team over the duration of a league season, which would need an additional 10-15 players on top of the current first team and Academy squads.

I reckon it will, sooner or later. Bradford weren't a million miles away and we've seen in various cup ties that the top championship sides can manage the odd upset against lower SL opposition in a one-off game.

The current format is the hors d'oeuvres for the two FT tens, 4/5 Champ clubs will be FT in 2016 add in Toulouse, Welsh and Canada and you are virtually at the 20.

Close, but no cigar. I admire your optimism, but I still think the deck is stacked a bit too heavily.