Quote: Wembley71 "I'm not bitter that Crusaders were given a franchise and the team I support weren't.
I am disappointed that the RFL may have blown another chance to develop the game in Wales, by rushing in a top-line team ahead of the development of a grass-roots base. I want a successful Welsh team (or two) in the top flight of British RL. I don't want Crusaders to fail. I worry that they might.
I also was, and am, angry that the RFL published its criteria for licence qualification, and then appeared to ignore it. I would rather the RFL said that "we, in conjunction with our broadcasting partners, want a Welsh team in SL", instead of claiming that Leigh's stadium didn't count as it wasn't open, their youth development didn't count as it was done by Miners and Easts, and Widnes' stable financial management didn't count because the previous administration had gone bust. But that's not bitterness at Crusaders, its frustration with the RFL.
Given that franchising is here and will be back on the agenda in 18 months, the questionmarks over the licensing process are part of the future, not dwelling in the past.'"
Excellent post. Not convinced about the "broadcasting partners" bit, but I have no doubts whatsoever that we were all after a single franchise spot whilst one was going to be awarded to either Toulouse or Celtic. FWIW, I said as soon as we went into administration we wouldn't get a licence and the RFL should have been honest and told us so from the beginning!
