Do we need to expand though? I think it would be great if the SL was a big sport in the North with a team in France with major press coverage, big name sponsors and 20,000 + average crowds.

That's a realistic goal. There is no reason for that not to be an achievable reality in 20 years, even 10 years with enough money freed up to invest into the competition. It's not likely, but if that was the focus of the SL it could be.

Even if the SL had all that though, people would complain that there's no teams in the South or in Wales etc, that there's not enough teams, that there's only a handful of internationally competitive countries. People are too open minded, we need to be more insular. We need a Northern, Rugby League answer to US Politician Ron Paul.

Exactly what I said, it is only expansion if you move into other areas and participation remains static. It is growth if participation increases on the back of a move into new areas - glad you have finally accepted the point

American Football: Franchises instead of promotion and relegation. Teams primarily located in big cities far apart from each other. Few away fans. Draft system to ensure best players are spread put evenly. Huge following at college (university) level, with football bursarships seen as a route to a good education. Teams relocated (Cleveland Rams to Los Angeles and then to St. Louis, Chicago Cardinals to Arizona etc).

Comment of the year old son

Im just greedy, i want expansion and growth

But if the game expands to new areas then surely the opportunity for growth is increased?

Certainly grew in Wrexham eh? Would have done for you guys if done properly, but, unfortunately, you're left with the mess you have now!


PS good luck for the coming season!

Absolutely correct, that is why any expansion needs to be done properly, and be properly funded, however an equal amount of thought and attention eeds to be given to growing the game in the heartlands

Doubled edged sword.

Its not just about catchment area for sponsors and fans, its the catchment area for players playing at a level that is suitable for a top quality competition or at bare minimum having the platform to get to it.
If you want the overall quality of the game to improve we have to improve the area from which we get the players which i think you can only do by expanding into new areas with pro teams.

And yet the ' Sugar Daddy ' principle is an RFL favourite, depending who you are and what day of the month it is, Leigh were criticised for having one, Fax criticised for not having one

Interestingly enough it has grown and expanded. I know of people who watch and play the game who previously didn't. Also know of people who have gained coaching quals as a result of the move. Not as much growth as there could've been but some small seeds planted that hopefully will grow. And whilst in no way condoning the shambolic events of Crusaders, Wales now has two semi pro teams.

The question has to be, could we have achieved two semi pro clubs by investing in setting up two semi pro clubs? , or has that happened purely because it was a top tier club that was the catalyst? , if it is the latter then maybe the expansion of the game will have to happen in the haphazard ' stick a pin in and hope ' way it was tried with Bridgend and Wrexham ?