With the recent announcement that one super league team could be dropped. All the small clubs believe to be in the frame for dropping out the league have moved forward dramatically.

Castleford have announced plans for a new 13000 seater stadium.
Wakefield have promised a new stadium for 2011.
Salford have signed some class players including vinnie anderson, luke patten etc.. ( i think we all know the salford signings)

Is this a smart move by the RFL?

I am actually wondering whether the RFL have announced that one team is going to drop out, to give them a kick up the backside, but are not actually going to kick one out.

Its only a thought, but if they did this then two more championship sides would have to be promoted, or a bye introduced.

Does anybody agree? or am i a bit loopy, and have a bit too much time on my hands?

If you compare Salford, Wakefield and Castleford:

Salford appear the weakest on League Position (average last 3 seasons) worse attendances, and probably worse ground........Wakefield are the strongest on League position. So the RFL will be gunning for Wakefield then ???

Likewise, when the boot is on the other foot as Championship sides score the same 'grading' as existing Super League clubs. The whole thing is a farce, tailored to suit the RFL's policy at the time. Note that "overseas clubs may be invited to apply" regardless of "ticking the box" according to an amendment to one of the RFL's by-laws, so don't be surprised to see Toulouse end up getting a licence....

Isn't it a 10k stadium? As that is all the LSV is.

There are two different sets of criteria for existing SL clubs and Championship clubs. Yes, SL clubs get a point for a 12k+ stadium, but Championship clubs only need a 10k one to apply (along with the other ones, such as getting to their GF or winning the NR)

I will believe the Salford, Castleford and Wakefiled new grounds when I see them. They have had several years to get things moving and so far they haven't. There is alot of desperate marketing going on from these clubs in a last ditch attempt to influence the RFL. The decision needs to be made on what is in place at the time and not on a promise of a new ground. They have had their opportunity and so far not come up to the required standard.