Call me a cynic, but I think the RFL will do slightly more for the Crusaders than they appear to have done for Blackpool.

It saddens me greatly to see Blackpool disappear. I really used to enjoy our Easter visits there in the days of one division. I was pleased to see the excellent work that Martin Crompton did for them against the odds - and now it seems they will just disappear.

I haven't seen any details of the RFL trying to bail them out. I've seen that Blackpool failed to meet a deadline. The noise from the RFL has hardly been deafening - or have I missed something?

To be fair, they actually signed Paul Johnson a while back. Other than that its just been players resigning hasn't it? Plus they have got rid of Brian Noble and replaced him with Harris, who was already on the coaching staff. Oh and they have let Thackray go to Barrow. IF we were in Crusaders' shoes would you still judge them so harshly? Don't get me wrong, it has been a bit farsical at times, but you shouldn't punish them too hard or give up on them.

I agree with a lot of what you are saying. The RFL didn't help out Oldham but have helped out Harlequins is another example. Unfortunately I think some if it is that Blackpool and Oldham games don't get shown on Sky, therefore they don't matter to Sky, therefore the RFL don't get any money from for bailing them out. If they help Crusaders out then Sky care because they show Super League every week and it might help them sell a few more satellite dishes in Wales. Thats not the only reason obviously.

If the RFL help them out it will be an absolute joke and a real kick in the teeth for Blackpool who had no help at all. If another club get kicked out rather than Crusaders the RFL should hang their heads in shame

news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 149935.stm On this criteria, does that mean they cannot be grated a Super League license? But will be if they change their name?!!

news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 149935.stm On this criteria, does that mean they cannot be grated a Super League license? But will be if they change their name?!!

RFL expansion policy explained

I can't disagree there and I couldn't possibly defend what has happened.

That said think your description kind of fits for the RFL's policy shifts on a great many matters.

Widnes were not allowed in as they went bust so the same should apply to Crusaders when the next round of Franchises come in.
We all know it wont though and Crusaders will have a new name something like Men of Harlech and be bailed out out by the RFL aka Broncos/Harlequins.
Other option as I have said before is a 15 team league.
They will not boot out Crusaders.
Wales have qualified for the next 4 nations so the RFL will point to this and say the Crusaders have helped to achieve this.
The RFL have dug themselves a huge hole here and will do anything to get out of it.

Is there any reason why the RFL cant just hold their hands up and state they made a mistake!? I think they would get a lot more respect if they did and we can move on from this farce.

ERRRRR NO

With the news that [delthe bosses of RL[/del (whoops sorry) Australia are taking a year off International duty (to rest their players! ... arrogant bar stewards), there is no way the RFL will not keep Crudaers in as the French need to play in the next set of "4" Nations.

Crudaers ... it's too early to blame beer goggles , sorry

Just a thought does this potentially mean we would be given a by in the firstround next season if they don't sort things out by the time the season kicks off?.

It would be par for the course for us to get the least assistance from a by.

silly idea, we will just play one game less than anybody else, why would the RFL give us a Bye, but then if it were Wigan, Leeds, Bratfurt etc well thats a totally different case, they may even deduct us 2 points for not playing.

HR whisky on your cornflakes?

nah ... half a pig, a few eggs, a tomato plant, and the output of a small bakery ... it's Sunday.