Bristol Sonics please.

I think it's great that we may see a few teams around the country stepping up to Semi-Pro level. It may take a while for these clubs to become established and to really tap into the local-market, but from small acorns and all that...

I just dread the day the RFL start seeing the $$$'s and do something rash like the did with the Cru.

Somebody has to finish last. What does it matter if it's Hemel, Skolars, Rochdale, Leigh or Wigan that's propping up the leagues?

If these clubs can sustain themselves and slowly build their support base and player pool by a fraction over any number of years, I'd take that anyday over the $hit or bust approach applied to Paris, Gateshead and the Crusaders.

Sheffield did it the right way. They're a threat. Do I resent them? No.

You got that right, matey. When I am down there or my mates go we always bring a few litres back. Wilkins is also a good un this year.

I don't disagree with what you are saying here tbh. As a club that has been around for a while we see the success cycles and the depressing cycles. What goes around and all that.
My point, which can come across quite harsh sometimes (mainly because of the constant negativity of anything by some on here) is more to do with being competitive. Initially a new fan base would be a lot more fickle than your normal fan of a established club - ie new fans to the sport never mind the club. Same with clubs that are more established playing a new club that is a guarantee win and just a question of how many points etc can put off people that want to see a competitive entertaining game. RL is a very cruel sport when teams are mismatched, and isn't really entertaining.
Thats my fear.

But sweeping all before them (with assistance from the RFL) won't help anyone when hits the fan and they're struggling in the league. A few defeats won't put off potential fans as they will at least be aware that they're playing in a competitive league in that case.

When there is something positive to celebrate then perhaps the negativity will go away, the RFL are past masters in handing out sugar coated press releases then following them with the reality which bears no resemblance of what they released, all's I ask for is some truths if that is being negative then so be it, but believing all they put out and not questioning it or not being allowed to question it by some is stupidity at its most extreme, after all we do live in a free(ish) society.