And what would that legal action be for?

Every penny spent on 2012 bid including promo work based on that, some SL clubs could do the same stating it cost more to force stadium plans through at this time etc.

But they should be doing all that anyway.

That's what they would look to recover.

But what would the claim be? Breach of contract? Breach of warranty? What?

Good point to raise. I would hazard a guess it would be a breach of contract - if there is any agreement that has been made over the actual decision making process. The RFL have committed to promoting a team from the Championship that meets the criteria.

This is an extract from the Operations Rules ( by the RFL, an applicant must meet the Championship club minimum criteria.

These minimum criteria area Championship club will be awarded a Super League licence for a three-year period commencing at the start of the 2012 season.

This initial successful Championship club receiving a Super League licence will be announced in March 2011.

Not sure if the bits in bold contradict each other slightly. The former refers to meeting minimum criteria and proceeding to assessment whereas the latter suggests an award will be made based on the minimum criteria.