There are other options and variations. Which is good, because we're going to need one if they let a newco Bradford into SL. You can abandon your principles [ior[/i you can stand by them, you [ican't[/i do both simultaneously. Sometimes you have to make a choice. They could [ipretend[/i that they'd retained licensing but it would be untrue and the worst choice available.

I've had reservations - but P+R wasn't working so it was worth a go perhaps. [iAssuming a creditor-ignoring newco[/i, this is the first time, IMO, you could say [iincontrovertibly[/i it isn't as advertised.

Celtic Crusaders

Fair point - but they only got a 4 point deduction, so I assume creditors got and accepted something. Or that was the plan at least - subsequent events meaning maybe not, I guess.

The change of rules that meant admin wasn't an automatic revocation of a licence was ropey as, admittedly. Personally I was willing to hold my nose while the rules were 'adapted'. That, if you squint and are feeling generous could be considered a compromise - this would be putting up the white flag in a very obvious way.
It might go widely unnoticed in the short term, but those in positions of influence at clubs in both SL and Championship will see what it means, making the system untenable.

The three year time period was the major mistake in licensing.

If they get rid of that, and admit and remove clubs as and when it is the right thing to do, then that is simply a change in the franchising process, it isnt an abandonment in the principle.

I would have thought the 3 year time frame was always temporary, simply because it is an entirely arbitrary period of time, as was shown by Bradford.

The problem though Smokey, is what precipitates the decision that it is the right time for a change? Going bust? And how much time do clubs get to react to this sudden decision, both those who are losing the franchise and those who are a) being asked to prepare a bid and b) make the step up to SL? The process would be even less transparent than it is now!

Without a three year timeframe in place, unenfranchised clubs (and I would use the term disenfranchised in the context of rugby league as a whole) have no horizon on which to base their ambition to be promoted.

On the other hand, abolishing the three year rule would at least provide irrefutable evidence that a full breakaway would be needed by those outside SL to allow them to control their own destiny and look after their own interests, just as SL only looks after it's own.

I would have thought applying any time frame was inappropriate in Bradford's case as they were already in deep dung when they were handed a Grade 2 license last year.

This is a rare moment. I agree with you! Knock me over with a feather

The game needs to focus on what it does right - the fantastic product on the pitch. Licensing and criteria has taken over topical discussions; taken the onus away from what happens on the pitch. The Championships need to focus on their lot - with the help from a dedicated "man in charge at the RFL" and the same appointment made for SL. We have a lot of work to do down here without fannying around applying for something which - in the immediate future - isn't going to be given. Clubs need to improve their lot and somehow make it so the RFL and SL come knocking on their door rather than them chasing some pipe dream when ill equipped to do so.

SL also needs to stop the rot that Crusaders, Wakefield and now Bradford have let spread. I'm not so sure that some clubs can actually afford full time squads. But even if the RFL managed to relieve Sky of an extra £50m would the clubs just blow the lot?

The finals season is upon us - it's the business end of the season. Let's hope we're talking about the matches and not some other drawn out drama.

It wasnt the failing of the CC I meant , it was their inclusion right from the start that removed any credibility the licence system had from day one

Without significant investement in the Championships the time frame is irrelivant , no club will ever be in a position to bridge the gap, barring perhaps a club pulling in a Ken Davy type investor willing to put tens of millions in to buy fans and ultimatley a SL place

In the meantime the bottom half of SL will also wither and die

I'll do the job rich , 80 K a year and a couple of million budget and we might start getting somewhere, they'll probably get Ralph to do it with some ' try/no try flags and a few free SL grand final tickets

I might even start watching games again

I don't think handing out free bowls of lobby is going to help much though.

The way Bradford are playing tonight, it's clear they are no longer playing for their futures as they celebrate the new ownership along with their secured SL licence.

Whoops... not allowed to announce that last bit just yet until all due processes are concluded and addressed as fair and above board.

Franchising = the encouragement of mediocrity.