Those that are overlooking Barrow have almost certainly seen the state of their stadium!

It would be more than hypocritical for the RFL to punish one team for their facilities whilst overlooking the dump that is Craven Park.

They are currently in talks to renovate, but they don't have the finances yet and according to their fans it is looking like a mammoth sum needed.

Expect a very strong application from them in 2015 if Des doesn't get bored by then but 2012 is far too early for them.

Des might have his coaching badge by then so he can do it all himself

Indeed.

Just because they've won the Championship?

I think the key point was Lewis saying 'Yes' to the question posed whether a current SL team would lose their licence. That's a turn around, he has never said that before. He has always guaranteed a Champ side a licence, but he said that based on EITHER a side getting the boot, or increasing to 15 sides. I think it's a very interesting change of position from the RFL - looks to me like he's a bit annoyed at some broken promises and he's going to make an example of someone, and he's probably regretting not doing it last time round. Either that, or he needs to shoehorn Paris in somehow and doesn't want to go above 15 teams.

I think this upcoming round of licences could end even more accrimoniously that than the last lot.

I'm sure he said " a team would be invited to join Super League from the Championship" , this must point to Toulouse.

rowanandmartinslaughin.com/wolfgang.jpg Very interesting

rowanandmartinslaughin.com/wolfgang.jpg Very interesting

Leigh are the new darling club of the RFL

Only this week Nigel Wood has come out on record to say the RFL are looking forward to Leigh making a strong contribution to the Championship,already having granted them a relegation reprieve.

Not only did they as a visionary club fully embraced the RFL's 'Framing the future' blueprint, they have also fully applied all the recommendations the RFL laid down at the last franchise application process on facilities, finance,youth & community that they stated would assist Leigh developing into a 'future stong SL candidate'.

It's now by no means a co-incidence they appear to be assembling a strong playing squad on the field under the guidance of a world class head coach.

All of which has impressed The RFL and achieved without the need of any SKY handouts.

Whilst during the same timescales some SL clubs have, well you can all judge that for yourselves.....

Just a shame they'll win buggar all and therefore be ineligible for a Super League licence

Quite simple this when Celtic finish bottom for next 2 year it got to be them it would be a discrace if team Likes Cas and Wakie go out of it they are the only area in yorkshire what are producing Super league youngsters not acadamy but born in there areas.
If these 2 teams went out of comp you will loose at least 3 or 4 Players from each England side because the youth developments in town would fininsh thats sound sad but very true.

I thought the Featherstone area produced plenty of youngsters for many Yorkshire clubs. It seems that not being in Super League hasnt stopped the production of youngsters there.

Featherstone have only have 1 high school and 1 junior side Fev lions and thats on the border of Cas and most kids there are from Cas any way.