.....But better than teams that have been in SL and have never been in it again since.....

That sounds much too sensible Steady.Don't they do something similar in Aussie?

Aus have RL academy schools like Keebra park that just churn out NRL talent from all over Aus and NZ. We’ll never compete with the NRL, I believe Penrith have a bigger junior system than the entire SL.

It's all about numbers and the quality of coaching. We're lacking in both.

I think a lot of it relates to how the sports is perceived in any specific country.

Not only aren't there player numbers for a 14 team league (you could argue there aren't enough for a decent 12 team league) there just isn't the money to fund it either. There isn't a TV deal in position for any division next year as it stands and it is widely expected that any deal signed will be a short term one on the same terms at very best the but more likely slightly less. The IMG proposals aim to reverse that trend moving forward but it won't happen on a 'what might be', it is looking down the track and aiming to increase monies down the line when things have hopefully improved. 14 teams might be the longer term goal and i hope it is but right now it's just not possible.