To make money of course

Who , what and why ?

Man United, because they gave up of the FA Cup, it's the best knock out in the World, and they walked away. Ban em.

I agree , they should ban the Skorpions as well

I despise them but they were doing the FA a huge favour by playing in the Confederations Cup that year. It was all politics I'm afraid.

They may lose money but that might well be down to the way that "fixed costs" such as stadium maintainance / rent are allocated. As long as the club meet their variable costs (such as player wages) then financially they are better off playing.

Who are they?

The FA

The Scorpions have opted out of the NRC for financial reasons and to avoid too many long away journeys in a week. Nothing more sinister than that.

When ALL your away matches are a 4 hour drag at the end of a full working week, you really don't want to be travelling on a wednesday night too. Also remember this is by coach and, if you want to be competitive, you're looking at a hotel for the squad and coaches EVERY 2 weeks too.

So, to reiterate, the Scorpions are opting out PURELY with the intention of working RESPONSIBLY WITHIN their budget.

So please don't damn them with rumours about some kinda toxic alliance with the Toxic Crusaders RL.

All valid points, but can the Cumbrian clubs and the London Skolars opt out as well? They have much of the same problems.

I honestly don't know a.n.Other. i don't know how the RFL is set up. Are these competitions invitational or compulsory for member clubs?

I'd have to imagine that if a club had a valid reason to opt out, the RFL would be understanding. I know that the Scorpions business case was set out based upon realistic, modest attendances and merchandise sales.

I thinkl if RL is to continue to have the success it has had in S Wales, despite the "scorched earth" of the Wandering ANZAC Crusaders, it is correct to proceed cautiously in this way. We tried the capricious millionaire sugar daddy route and fell on our rears (and history seems to be repeating itself at the wandering club's current tethering ).

Since when are the matches midweek ?