Agree that the circumstances were all in currently are unusual in the extreme. However, on the other side of the coin, it may look to some that Toronto are seeking to dodge the relegation bullet with the assistance of the RFL.

I made a comment earlier of what happens if other SL follow the lead of Toronto and also withdraw from 2020, giving the parting words of see everyone again in 2021?

This is a huge watershed for the game, and how the RFL and clubs handle both the short and long term future of the game is critical to saving it from reverting back to semi-pro. Toronto withdrawing from the competition just doesn't help, and it highlights the logistical problems of a transatlantic competition. It would be interesting to see how Toronto have justified to the RFL how they will be able to run a SL team in 2021. Should they not pay their squad due to financial issues, then how many of them are going to stay loyal and put their hand up for 2021, and what happens should Argyle invest his money in Melbourne Storm? There's a possibility of having a club needing to seek a new owner and playing squad for the 2021 season, which doesn't fill me with any confidence in respect of Toronto's future.

dominic cummings did, if you, err, read his blog, after returning from barnard carstle (that's how its been pronounced ever since) don't go back to November when it was originally written

Is there a rule to say if you can’t for fill a season you get relegated?

good point. I’ll expand.
I think there could be a president here, where a team can take on a players contract, go over the salary cap with it, (or loan deal) and it should last up to 3 seasons or the remainder of that guys contract as a position of player welfare.
A player shouldn’t have to find himself redundant through a folding club because of a salary cap restriction.

Can I say, on a more light hearted point, as someone who is a bit OCD about grammar, Duckie's posts are a real test for me...

I do wonder about how (if) Catalan can get through 2020. They are also facing the prospect of increased costs, if all games are to be played in the UK, with no gate receipts. I don't know if special consideration has been made in the way that the Sky money will be distributed.

Toronto may not be the only club who will fail to complete the 2020 season.

... It's ok, I knew exactly what you meant, but I have a terrible thing where alarms go off if I see stuff like that - my therapist has his work cut out with me, I'm afraid...

The cynic in me says, if Toronto had more money than Croesus, and the team that couldn't complete their season were one of the unfashionable ones (say a HKR or Wakefield), would they(HKR or Wakefield) be treated the same way, and relegation scrapped.
I think not.
Disgrace

Spot on. Toronto had issues before COVID not paying suppliers, players wages not being paid on time etc etc, end of day there Asti b sanctions you can’t just pull up sticks and say see you in 2021. Sounds like a Butlins holiday hi-de-hi campers.

I feel sympathy for Toronto. Like I feel sympathy for everyone who has gone bust or struggled because of this virus. Being in Super League was always going to be a financial challenge & the latest problems have proved too much. My main concern is the that Sky might now reduce their input with less games now being shown on TV.

Or add other games instead, well i hope so
I'm in full Vulture mode at the minute looking at what scraps we can have, I'd love Brad Singleton but a cheaper possibility would be Gadwin Springer for the rest of the season. His last game he was dominating with massive tackles and aggressive runs. Could be a good oportunity to boost our forwards for the year
BUT with us signing Latu and bringing Widdop in this year and looking at our squad we more than likely don't have any room under the cap now anyway. Unless a dispensation rule comes in to affect to help Players find a club to keep them getting paid etc ?

Dom's powers of prediction are legendary, of course.

What next? https://www.timescolonist.com/sports/to ... 1.24174952

What next? https://www.timescolonist.com/sports/to ... 1.24174952