What I'm saying is that the payment to get the HMRC of there backs looks like it's been payed during this period. All very convenient!

I agree that the tax bill is a red herring, in that there wasn't one. But there are the still the other things that dog them, and as Klav Kalash has posted, a new company has been formed to carry on in the Super League next year, which fits in with the rumour that bigalf posted. The corners at Odsal are more level than the playing field that the RFL operate.

I agree that it would be bad for the RFL if the Crusaders went bang, but they are the ones who set the rules, and they seem ready to ignore them whenever the rules become inconvenient. To some extent, they are gambling with the future of the game. This is not to denigrate the expansion clubs, but they are never going to bring as much to the game as the area around Wakefield and Castleford in terms of support for the game and grass roots growth, and there is a risk that they will slowly kill off one part to grow a less fruitful plant somewhere else.

Just keep it fair. Let the RFL take up some of the slack for development, but have everyone competing on a level playing field, where the 14 teams in Super League are the best 14 teams at rugby.

Yes they have problems I agree.
I never stated otherwise but when someone starts saying that even the HMRC are in on the RFL's games then that is the time to start asking if the medication is high enough IMHO.
I dont mind DeeHell but if he had posted that on the VT he would have been torn to shreads IMHO.

Is there anything official regarding the Crusaders doing what London did a few years ago?

I know, last year, they relocated the Franchise to North Wales, but I presume the new company also took on the liabilities.

If they have now changed their name again, only this time, writing off their debts, surely there has to be an agreement with the other clubs, as there was when London did it.

But, in a few years, ala London, they will be facing the same problem, only they (Harlequins) have a superb benefactor, who keeps taking the hits.

What you have to remember people was Redhall's original statement...

[iThe RFL has confirmed that, subject to fulfilling their minimum criteria, at least one Championship club will be awarded a Super League spot next March.The RFL has also confirmed Super League will stay at 14 clubs - leaving the current teams facing an anxious wait. [/i

The weasal words are "at least," which to my mind indicates that they are not adverse to promoting two, with Widnes clear favourites and possibly another. And whilst the smart money was on Salford/Wakie/Cas as the obvious candidates for the drop, there is another who is on the fringes.

That is of course Bradford Bulls, and their ground breaking £60 season ticket offer. Now, the more cynical amongst us may ponder that they only managed 7000 plus sales in the weeks up to the pledge counter being removed, and yet miraculously acheived 3000 in the last week prior to the announcement before the adoring masses at Odsal!

What can't be denied is that by sacrificing some short term financial revenue, the Bulls management team have played a blinder. By announcing 10000 plus sales, they have effectively removed their Club from the forthcoming shenanigans. Not even the clowns at Redhall will relegate a SL team that can show that level of sales. And if they can convert their loosing 12 match end of the season run into a winning one, they will be up there competing for honours once again.

Job done.

Unlike Salford/Wakie/Cas who have still to pour the first metre of concrete....

What are you talking about I don't even know why you bothered bringing the subject of Bradford Bulls up. They were never in jeopardy of not getting a franchise. They were the glory boys a few seasons ago, and have the potential to get decent crowds. So I don't really see why you bothered raising their name as an issue / non issue. Anyway...

This Crusaders business doesn't really concern our bid anyway, we don't need to rely on other clubs shortcomings. Full steam ahead with Newmarket!