posted Feb 5, 2008

Rhino-Chris very good idea 15 teams each has a breather through the season,helps players get over injuries....

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posted Feb 5, 2008

I think it's going to be a shame to lose the teams that dont make it. I know promoted teams were always odd's on to drop but occasionally a team comes good and cements its place, attracts decent players etc such as Hull KR have.

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posted Feb 5, 2008

If it does go to 14, I can't see Widnes not being included. Going into administration looks to have been a blessing in disguise. While the team may need work, the off field set up, with the likes of Stobart and Nike on board looks excellent. I don't see 14 more professionally run clubs in the list of those interested.

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posted Feb 5, 2008

Exactly what I feel... and I'm not alone in this mood in Perpignan. Our "french way" of doing things isn't wrong at all in itself, but it doesn't always fit RFL authorities'way of thinking. A pity, when you look at Catalans'sucess in only 2 years. I hope we will finally meet these written criteria... as the unwritten ones.

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posted Feb 5, 2008

Re 15 teams - like the idea, but it's not much of a breather vikingsontour if you're first up to miss a game! And if you're last, your season might just be ending early.

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posted Feb 5, 2008

Case have decided to promote the youth, this shows the pool of players is still low. A French team would be full of Aussies, look at their international team. Let Celtic build on what they have achieved so far and don't push them into SL too quick, like some of the other teams have done and failed.

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posted Feb 5, 2008

Don't think they'll be 15 Clubs, there may be 14 Clubs though, the currant 12 Clubs in SL as well as Widnes & Salford.

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posted Feb 6, 2008

Has the RFL considered allowing Toulouse into NL1 instead of directly into SL. This would give them 3 years to build up a pool of local talent and benefit the SL greatly.
the 14 clubs in SL will include Celtic & Salford - I feel Widnes -9 points will cause issues.

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posted Feb 6, 2008

The RFL will NOT approve franchises for an odd number of clubs because it will totally screw the MM weekend. 14 teams will be bad enough (where will they squeeze the extra game?) but to have one missing out altogether will be unthinkable.

And like it or not, MM pulls in a LOT of attention from a LOT of people who wmay not normally take any notice of Rugby League. Whatever it costs the RFL in terms of cash is cash well spent in terms of the publicity it recieves in return. Besides there is a 3 year deal (as I understand it) already done with the Millenium Stadium and pulling out would cost more cash as well as be bad publicity.

My guess is that it will be the current 12 with possible the addition of Widnes and Salford. Celtic won't get a look in 'til 2012 and any bid from Toulouse would have to be exceptional to be considered.

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posted Feb 8, 2008

Question - How many teams will be promoted from NL2 this year due to the franchise situation? I assume 4?
Or will the NL1 have only 8 teams for 2009?
So will the NL2 stick with 12 teams or go down to 10 ?

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