I think you have missed the bigger pitcher they are getting at in the article. SL teams get all the support they want and need. In the CH and CH1 clubs are left to fend for them selves. They get little to no support. The RFL should focus on the lower league then there would be no excuse for the promotion/relegation not to be there. Helping to develop the CH and CH1 will make the sport for entertaining. Some clubs are happy to be in the CH or CH1 until they think they are ready for the next step up.

The RFL need to look at these divisions and work out how they can support the clubs in this. Announcing there are a load of criteria for the next licensing system and telling the clubs they must meet these without any help is a complete joke.

If the sport is to develop it needs to be strong in all leagues with prom/rel at all levels.

I havent missed the bigger picture at all , but I do agree with you , the RFL are clueless with what to do with the Championship,s and the clubs in it , to the point that I personally think they dont want certain clubs to improve and push for SL

IMO they want the heartland Championship clubs to just survive to be either feeder clubs for local SL neighbours and to provide somewhere to test and develop expansion clubs

It sounds like I'm paranoid , but I cannot draw any other conclusion given their actions

I understand what you mean about SOME (and I mean this as some) heartland clubs. You know the ones screwed out of their change at the SL. Other heartland clubs have been dragged down not by the RFL but by the people running the club. So that statement you made it not totally accurate. Leigh where given a golden ticket so there is something to help a heartland club out.

If the franchise system is to work then the same rules need to be applied to the CH and CH1 so those clubs can build for the future.

The fact that Toulouse can't get relegated for 3 seasons (I'm not saying its right but my opinion) but I understand the reason behind it. But at the same time for those 3 seasons should be exempt from the play off's and promotion (if that was still around)/SL license in 2012. That way they can build and can't gain negative or positive's from the first 3 years other than build a better squad and youth system.

In a perfect world then bring back prom/rel in all leagues, all new venture clubs start in CH1 and build at own rate. However I do strongly believe that new expansion clubs are given help (not different rules to play by) as to running and developing a youth system. More behind the scenes help if you understand what I mean. This way at least clubs grow at the rate they are destined for and do not drag the RL name through the mud etc.

Lost me ?

Leigh fan Augustus Gloop won the ticket in his chocolate bar, here he is with his retro Leigh shirt on.

Apparently someone at the RFL found a golden ticket in a bar of chocolate guaranteeing two people a free tour around a chocolate factory and they gave it to Leigh. If you're lucky you could end up owning the whole factory which should help with finances at least.

Leigh where given a reprieve.

Think next time I'll just say that instead of using metaphors