Quote: Wires71 "I reckon..
1. Millenium Magic in Cardiff to showcase the sport.
2. The previous SL roadshow games in South Wales to raise awareness.
3. Introducing a franchise system, and extending the league, to provide for a Welsh entrant and to sustain such a club through its early vunerabilities.'"
Whilst I'm sure 1 & 2 helped the Welsh out, I very much doubt that that was in any way the driver for that decision. Using that argument, it could be suggested that the Challenge Cup final was taken to Cardiff for the same reason which I doubt.
As for 3, there are many reasons why we have a franchise system. Again, I'd be very surprised if bringing the Welsh in was a determinative factor. It should also be noted that the system protects all clubs in precisely the same way it protects the Welsh. Had we had this system when Halfiax imploded, they, as a heartland club, would have been afforded the same protection.
As a result I don't think the RFL have bent over backwards to help the Welsh out. No doubt they've assisted, but not to the detriment of a heartland club. It's not as if those clubs who lost out had particularly enticing applications with the possible execption of widnes.