so do I, I have total respect to even the amateur clubs that strive to survive as well

That brings up another point. By promoting the likes of Catalan, Crusaders and Quins, if clubs like Castleford and ourselves get demoted, where will that leave amateur rugby in the area? Without a Super League club, young kids are even less likely to take up the game around here. In the long run it could be a disaster for local clubs.

yes it will reduced the incoming talent,
the deduction in the age for the reserve or as it is now under 20s is a way of bringing the lower leagues standard up a level but its going to have no effect while we keep all imports taking their places,

at the end of the day money is the big factor and to put your body on the line like they do it's just not enough to justify playing, a vicious circle

But I don't get why we need a French team in our league? We need to reduce the imports to improve our own game, but we let in a French club (and even a Welsh) which then just cancels it out by relegating two English teams. The RL seem unsure as to do what's best for the game in our country or the rest of Europe so just do a bit of both!

if you consider the distance that the Aussies travel, Sky sports seem to think that they can simulate a similar a scenario by bring in a french team, this did which work for a few seasons, last season proved to be a problem and doesn't give the feeling of a french side same as the crusaders a welsh side, super league isn't big enough it should be extend to more teams so more income can be gained

My opinion is that the only way to expand is through a snowball effect. Let's build the game in South Yorkshire, then the Midlands, do the same going North, and to be honest, in Cumbria it's set up already and just needs re-igniting. You can't just pick random teams who are miles from anywhere and call it development. Crusaders realised that by moving within 30 miles of the heartland.

cumbria donny and sheffield, gateshead

if they are left to develope with merging are the ideal places to expand, the RFL seem to think that if they extend the distance that it will be bridged by other clubs, it expanding but not at a pace that will happen within a few years

The game has been around for over 100 years and is only popular on the 'M62 corridor', yet those running the game think they can expand it to the South of France within a 3 year franchise! I'm sorry but the passion and enthusiasm doesn't come in three years, it comes over a lifetime. If Sky ever pull out, Catalan will be gone within weeks, but the clubs up here will still be around. For the life in me I don't get why these clubs are not been supported in the same way. In any other industry, loyal customers are the ones you look after!

Catalans are at home being following better than us its their away support that lets them down, they bring no atmosphere

Their home support should be amazing, they have one team in the entire country, we have three in Wakefield

Even Sky must understand We (the fans) are the key component in all of this. Without us attending there is no clubs and no game to show. Sky like the RFL have to understand the fans make this game exist, not them.

If RL was going to become a national sport it would have done it decades ago, does that mean to say we bin it? Meddle with it to force it to evolve into something which it isn't?

No of course not! We love RL for what it is; a predominantly northern game, built upon a strong northern culture.
IMHO more people would be drawn to the game if we sell it "raw" and how it should be. A game that embraces the cultures it was born from; not run our northern heartland into the ground!

I honestly believe that if a strong basis of support from the clubs exists (to which to rumours elude) and if the facts act in unison (a mass petition or peaceful demonstration at MM??) Redhall will have to comply. Stop this mess right now, support ALL clubs, give all clubs a fair shot at P&R and move away from the "boxed off" brand of RL that is killing out heartland.

It's a European league so the French and Welsh are entitled to be in it.

Also, although it will be a while before we see the fruits, having a stronger French and Welsh team will indirectly increase the strength of the English team by having credible Northern hemisphere opposition in which to test themselves against.