Quote: Roam Ranger "I think the recent posts on here regarding the Salford situation do sum up why our game is struggling and it's not just one particular thing. The clubs were concerned about Salford's long term stability and yet the RFL jump straight in and grant them the cash they were seeking. Time will tell whether it's the right or wrong decision but it shows that the clubs and the RFL aren't in alignment. Not just on this but pretty much on everything.
We can all criticise the RFL over their decision making and incompetence through the years but a lot of the time it seems to me that it's the clubs themselves causing issues, that they have too much power over the sport hence all the constant chopping and changing of formats. Case in point, Batley's proposal to reinstate promotion and relegation again after only just changing the format to a grading system. It would not surprise me if it passes and then next year another motion is put forward scraping it that also gets passed.
Whatever people's thoughts are on IMG, it doesn't matter whether it is them or another marketing company or someone like an Eddie Hearn as rumoured a few years back, unless the governing body and the clubs learn to unite under a common goal of betterment of the sport as opposed to what increasingly looks like self interest, we will continue to struggle.'"
completely agree with this. As soon as the clubs "pulled out", it was clear to me that some clubs were already considering saying no, which explains the quick statement and RFL intervention. Bearing in mind that they had been making a 'presentation of investment and growth' to present and show what theyd achieve in the coming months but still yet need 500k?
They could have claimed they were digging for gold in Salford Quays and were close to hitting the jackpot, and they’d still have received the money.
It just reeks of kicking the can down the road. This is also Salford’s second time asking for this, which makes it feel like they’re exploiting the RFL's goodwill. I’ll bet anyone who disagrees that we’ll see Salford try to exploit it again.
Funny how Castleford claimed they were "ready to build" the stadium and even pushed for grading based on it being imminent. Yet now, it looks like we won’t see a shovel in the ground until late 2026. It’s making an absolute mockery of the framework. Clubs should face consequences for this sort of behaviour, surely? There’s bound to be a Championship owner somewhere licking their lips, ready to pounce on this opportunity.
