Says a fan from a rival club....goodness....

I don't think this has too much to do with stadia to be honest because Rovers were the first club to be given this status

Well done Leigh. They're obviously doing something right.

Well it is! The fact that they can't fill it is another matter

Its called the Championship these days old boy.

Congratulations, Leigh.

Nice to here of any RL club moving forwards

Cougars got it as well!

Although I would love Leigh back in super league for the rivalry between us and them, I just feel Halifax and Widnes could bring more to the league than Leigh could. Widnes and especially Halifax would have a similar impact that Hull KR have done with good away support and decent home support as they are clubs with big history and good tradition. Widnes and Halifax also have brilliant rugby league stadia and IMO have to come before Leigh. Some would also argue that a cumbria club such as Barrow would also bring more to super league if they got in, I however will sit on the fence on that one.

Your spot on IMO.

For me the lisence system could fall down here. Halifax doing so well this season will create a bit of hype, if Halifax can sustain this hype and continue improving on the field then Halifax for SL at the next franchise. However Halifax could also dip on the field, lose the hype and therefore not merit a franchise.

If we still had P+R, then we would see Halifax most likely coming up to super league this year, helping to continue the hype and giving them an immediate chance to prove themselves.

Then of course, they could go straight back down at the end of the season and the club is knocked back 3/4 years in terms of attracting fans etc.

As for Widnes, definate contenders no doubt about it, I really like the way the club is going at the minute. Both clubs could easily get the away support of HKR with a few decent seasons under them, and IMO the franchise system will help no end, with a few safe seasons in SL at least.

Leigh averaged 4,700ish when we were in super league and that was with only 2 wins and a draw and not a lot of teams brought a good following so with a few good results i think you could add at least another 2,000 all in my opinion of course.

I'd disagree, the attendance against Wigan in the pre season friendly was very disappointing. Leigh keep saying they have all these fans that would come back after a few decent results, but you've got to have more of a solid base than that.

There is a huge interest in rugby in Leigh but for some reason they're just not going.

It was just a friendly though but yes it was disappointing but when we were in sl we were not the worst supported team that year.

Over 10k in the CC tie though !!

I do recall us taking 4k to Wigan and 3k to Warrington.

Widnes arn't cracking pots either, but in a non-promotion league, franchising will put a few clubs to bed thats for sure!

I think 4 or 5 teams brought over 10,000 (in total) away fans in that season to add to our average.
We can't keep saying give us SL and they will come.

Well done Leigh.
But off the topic i dont think any English clubs will be the next franchise because both Leigh and Widnes will not get to any finals and Giants and the Bulls will put strong words out for fax to fail.