I`m fairly certain it was Eddie who mentioned it on the last edition of boots n all, he was saying that you would think its now or never for south Wales as the backer of the Crusaders has threatened to pull the plug on the financing if they don`t get a franchise this time round.

Quite high, the Kiwi population in Victoria will always be the heart and soul of the fan base.

However, whilst Im not sure of my feelings on the Celtic inclusion what baffles me is the move of Millenium Weekend away from somewhere they are trying to grow the sport at pace? Its that decision that baffles me. Surely it would have been best suited to decide the franchise clubs before doing this, if they didnt already have the teams pencilled in?'"

'"

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I said months ago, it was part of a master plan, everyone has the mentality now of going to South Wales on the ale for a weekend, as soon as MM took off they moved the venue but gave you another reason to go back down wales. They have cleverly cultured everyone to think that a Welsh trip is the norm now.

I wouldn't be surprised if Edinburgh starts to put a team together

I'll bet you 2/1 Padders will still go to Bridgend next season for our away game with the Crusaders, despite all the complaining that the RFL is corrupt.

Actually, that's quite a libellous statement. I wonder if anyone from the RFL is reading this...........

Oh I love it when idiots shoot themselves in the foot.

Widnes 29/03/2005 attendance 10,061

London 17/07/2005 attendance 10,146

oops.

Am i right in thinking you are a taxi driver? How about using a minibus and charging to take people to the games? That way you get to see the game and are still working. Although saying that i beleive there may be issues licence wise but even if there is you could always go to the game and work afterwards which i imagine would benefit you money wise as there is always call for taxi's on a Fri and Sat night.

I was somewhat disappointed with the decision by the RFL to give a franchise to Celtic at the expense of Widnes and the other clubs but on reflection...........

I was dead against "Summer rugby"............. I now hold my hands up and think it was a fantastic move.

I thought the idea of the introduction of "A Froggy" team was a ludicrous backwards step..............The visit to France is now the highlight of my year.

I thought Millennium Magic was a white elephant!...........It wasn't!

The RFL have taken much critisism today and I have sympathy for those clubs who have missed out. However in view of my previous errors of judgement I'm gonna hold my hands up and say ok RFL I'll go with this............... and I'm looking forward to it!!

Yes.... Pretty sure Mansfield have a team though: Mansfield Storm they are now i think.

10,061 is quite a good crowd really considering it was a Tuesday night and it was on Sky.

Here comes another PY/ISTBI debate ....

Anyway, just pointing it out as it is relative. Though PadWire does border on idiot territory, can't disagree with you there.

Try reading the statement properly then & you will see why Widnes & Leigh were felt not yet ready. For what it's worth, my own belief is that it was between those two teams & Salford for who got the franchise alongside Celtic who with their location provide far better opportunities to expand & strengthen SL/RL than any of the M62 applicants.

I have said I will watch Warrington in SL, in a pan-European SL, in a World SL or in National Leagues/Conferance. Yes I want my club to be at the top table & no I wouldn't be happy if we weren't, but they are my club regardless of their league. We are about 5 years ahead of Widnes/Leigh in our off the field situation for being in own stadium/financially viable/community programmes etc & for those reasons we are into the next generation of SL 3 years ahead of those two.

I have no doubt that the next issue of franchises will see Leigh, Widnes & Halifax providing stronger applications than this time around - maybe Bradford, HKR, Wakey, Cas will be the teams on edge next time round?

Still waiting on your proof of corruption - or are you going to forward that evidence onto the police for investigation?

Ah well thanks for all the messages from some of the wire folk but it wasnt to be.