I do think the RFL have wimped out a bit with their choice. There is always a lot of talk about expansion of the game and I really think they've missed a great opportunity.

Personally I don't think we need the luxury of 2 teams in one city (Hull and Hull KR) and Castleford and Wakefield, geographically very close and both were shaky on the license possibility.

I'm pleased Celtic were awarded a license but I'm not too convinced about the inclusion of Salford who are very close to ourselves, Wigan and Saints. Even including Salford I do feel we'd have been better dropping Wakey and putting in a team like Tolouse.

I feel sorry for Widnes and the derby being back would have been nice but I do think another 3 years of careful financial management will mean they're pretty much bang on for one next time round. I think only 9 months after entering administration is probably too soon for them to be given the opportunity and I'm sure that was probably one of the only reasons they were left out.

Whether you agree with it or not, that announcement is no real surprise.

Disappointing Yes!!

Surprise No!!!

Because Knowsley Road, Craven Park and Belle Vue are really impressive stadia

Indeed

but we are stuck with them if you like, as they were already superleague teams and no one was ever going to get "chucked out".

what message does this send to the Doncaster's and Leigh's of the world who have improved their facilities no end...

in the end it was the shape of the map that decided the two new clubs....

Errr and were did you stick your neck on the line and predict the correct outcome?

Just watched the news conf on Sky, the point a lot of people seem to missing is its not just Widnes who have missed out, i would imagine that the application from Leigh would have been stronger, so why have they not been mentioned and what is the diffrence between them and Cas and Wakey. The set up at Leigh to me on the outside seems much further ahead than some of the others granted licences or close to one

No a lot for Donny they didnt apply.

As for Leigh as the report says it's looking good off field but need to shape up on the field. With Widnes it says that it need financal stabillity. Its looking good for these in 3 years time and will give a kick up the ass to wakey and cas.

I am looking forward to heading down to south wales. I think that there crowds will pick up next season. Most of the games this season have been on tv.

halifax, leigh and widnes all have better set ups than, wakey, cas, and salford. is shows the rfl always wanted Celtic in and thats why the mave moved the weekend to Edinburgh most of the fans and teams were very happy in cardiff and the set up was fantastic

why has a new thread been created, we already have an official franchise thread

Big gamble on the welsh, I thought cas or wakefield may miss out but they didn't they need to pull there fingers out now and get SL standard stadiums.