I think we would have to prove we could fund a full SL squad with a reduced central funding package....
Also, could be wrong, but I'm sure I've read the panel will review the 13th and 14th IMG clubs first and if they can show that they can afford it they will get in. Therefore we would have to move up 8 places from last year.
Can't help but feel the 2x10s system would have been a better fit for us and for the game..
Please explain if I’m not following it properly; the top twelve are selected by IMG processing, the other two are selected by a committee. Therefore for this second process WHY can’t Widnes be judged on this and be in with a good chance, a ground as good as York, a crowd as good as Bulls, trophies are irrelevant from latter years and we have all the other necessary requirements to compete yet people continue to talk about York and Bulls. League positions are also irrelevant 👍👍
It was quoted by the Club last week that they have thrown their hat into the ring for 2026. There's no saying that YCK & BB may be in the top 12 IMG ratings as their latest audit hasn't been submitted yet. So who knows?
Bottom paragraph
Paulie xx
We won't get in because we don't have a rich backer. Saints, Leeds, Warrington and Wigan are losing over £1m a season. We would have smaller crowds than them and less SKY money as one of the 13th and 14th panel selections.
Until they get a better TV deal, about £1m per club. (£14 million these days is peanuts for the big TV companies) then we simply can't afford SL without a Beaumont or SOC character in charge.
Update from the meeting today:
3 options: 1 single division, 2 regional conferences, 3 conferences of 7.
Think I'd go for the single division as uneven fixture wise that would be- go back to the NFP I suppose.
Well to be honest we will not be in SL next season- to me that’s great because we would be stuffed every week
we need stability over the next 2 seasons and build an academy and a winning team
the make up below SL is interesting - depends on how many teams for a start, suspect we may lose a few more at season end, but my preference is 1 league, all teams playing each other once and 1 other fixture against half the league. Admittedly it would be imperfect depending on the other teams you play and home ties , but the alternatives - 2 conferences or 3 x 7 are a joke
Can't say I am too bothered. The game is a joke and run for the benefit of a few Clubs.
Was it Nige or Leopard Man who said of the teams outside SL that they may not be able to give them the central funding, but we will give them a struxture
Not sure what happened with post above. Unable to delete or edit.
My question is does the RFL actually represent Clubs below SL or have any interest. Reduced funding and likely no prospect of promotion, I guess several clubs will go bust sooner or later and attendances will drop.
There should be one league but without funding. tv coverage, promotion or interest, just what is the point.
We can only hope that the league below SL gets a tv deal- apparently channel 4 showed an interest last year, it’s not about money for the clubs but more about exposure
as mentioned in other forums, Sheffield with crowds of 700 keep going so there should be hope for all
Conferences of 7 has been dismissed that leaves one league or regional, in previous meeting regional was not sort after but apparently clubs are now changing their minds over this option.
Having seen what has happened over the last few weeks the running of the game continues to be shambolic.
The teams which do get promotion are unlikely to be competitive. Good players are in short supply - they will be left with journeymen that nobody else wants. How much will it cost them? Will fans continue to turn up if their teams are getting a shellacking every week? Will the money men get fed up of pouring money into a black hole?
I remember years ago the (then) Hull KR chairman stating it was costing the club over a million a year just to stand still. You have to question whether the risk versus the reward is justifiable? At the moment Widnes is in no position to be going for SL and to be honest I am relieved.
There will be excitement at Bradford and York - possibly London as well. Ultimately it may just turn out to be bald men fighting over a comb.
Exactly!!!!
If the powers that be aren't offering any money their power to 'rule' could well be questioned and an alternative, truly independent, body assembled for the Semi-professional game!!!!!
I wouldn't be surprised if Wood resigns from his 'steering group' after getting Bradford a 'shoo in', and, as if by magic', returns to the Bulls Board.
Paulie xx
Every chance Paulie!
But a Channel 4 deal just for semi clubs could be better than the sparse crumbs from the Sky table! That could well be more attractive to the NRL than re-opening a 'superb league' argument again.
Oh you cynic, Paulie. Cynical but so true.
Did I hear it wrong or did an interviewer, in the chat with Brierly (now ex Salford) before tonight's Leigh/Leeds game, comment that Oldham were lucky to sign him?
If they have, they really are throwing their money around. Maybe they have had a whisper...