went ok for Catalans

IIRC Catalans had around 18 months between knowing they were going into Super League, and their first Super League game. Weren't they also the result of a merger between three established French teams?

Catalans entry was pre agreed & direct into Super Dooper League with plenty of preparation time.

On entry they were [igifted[/i 3 years Super League Status [iEXEMPT[/i from relegation, then ....

A little while before the 3 years was up, the RFL [igifted[/i Catalan a 3 year licence, effectively Catalans were [igifted[/i 6 years Super League Status [igratis[/i, something which no Club has ever had the privilege of before or since.

If Leigh were given 6 years Super League status gratis, would they not be able to build a top 8 Club/Team with no fear of relegation ?

I suggest any Club would.

Don't think I agree with that think Catalans have done very well regardless of the fact they had an exemption they have been up the top end of the table, Toronto coming over is a good thing but I think they have done the right thing starting at the bottom. Could you imagine the s**tstorm we would of had if a team like hill kr were relegated and Toronto went straight in? They will walk that league but need a lot more improvement the year after, Fui won't be around next year and beswick has probably got 1 year in him, players like pownall aren't top end championship players, it's all exciting though and let's face it we need to break North America and Canada they love their sports and there is plenty money in it

Correct Oggy..I would say Rowley will be in his comfort zone knowing he has players around him who know how to play his off the cuff style.They should be quite entertaining to watch.

Even the thickest Humble would know RL had been played in France for 70 years before Catalans went into SL, that they had a good junior structure and countless semi pro and amateur teams to grow through etc. France instigated the RL world cup and held the first tournament in 1954. A cv that doesn't exist yet in Canada.

I wish Toronto well in the venture because if RL doesn't expand in N.America then RU will take it under the lie of one Rugby game, would like to see a state of origin played somewhere in the USA soon and hope they get the 2025 WC shared with Canada

Nail on the head there 'atomic'. I suspect that's the reason he has gone for so many Leythers. His style was good to watch but, ultimately, was unsuccessful. It will be interesting to see what happens in 2019 when, if they are still around, they are in the Qualifiers. How will he approach that? It could be interesting to see how his side reacts, when faced with alternating home and away games at that stage. It will also be fascinating to see how his squad fares discipline-wise!

" I was done". 5000 season tickets sold.... www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/38065484

" I was done". 5000 season tickets sold.... www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/38065484

I've heard they are lining up Allan Rowley as Club Ambassador.

Love the bit about him being 'done' but 'coming back' to save the game from extinction. Pariah to messiah.

First post in nine months!! Has something rattled your cage.

Rowley the 'smirking' nob !

Yes. I almost pmsl when I saw that on the Bbc. Back to retirement.

Good one..