This week's League Weekly does a pen pic on all the Championship teams, and states that Widnes' super league licence should be "in the bag" come April.

How can a well respected publication make such a bold statement when the applications are not decided until March? Do they know something we don't? I would assume that the RFL have expressed no opinion at this stage given the bids are still being analysed?

In my opinion, the Crusaders debacle has really put the spot light on the RFL. They need to demonstrate with this round of franchises that the Super League's licences are awarded on merit.

I have no problems with Widnes (or any other applicant) getting the licence if they have the best bid. However, I do hope that the decision is one that is taken fairly and objectively and, when provided, contains proper substantiated reasoning.

I would also ask any journalist from League Weekly who happens to read this post to explain where their confidence in the Widnes application has come from.

Starbug, unfortunately it is the way of the world. All pro/semi pro clubs raid amateur clubs and offer very little by way of recompense. You sound a little bitter - when Leigh were in SL did you not sign players from clubs in lower leagues?

Nope , we weren't there long enough , we had the ' dregs ' of SL and the crocked Aussies that couldn't get a gig elsewhere , apart from Craig Stapleton who quite simply ran his blood to water for our cause from first minute to last

Not bitter , that's just the way it is , just a shame the club going up isn't going to have the excitement of actually winning , I am amused by the thread about the announcement , with fans booking days off to go on the beer , just a weird way of doing things if you ask me , souless , unexciting , tame

I can just see it now , fans on the lash , with people not in the know asking why , " We've just been promoted " , " I thought the season ended in October " , " yes it does , we got in via a committee " ,

Your right and it is wrong in principle, but don't lie you weren't getting a touch excited last time when you thought you had a chance? What do you want us & Fax to do, just sit there and check when get home from work what happened?

Not all as depressed as you, ya know

unfortunately these are the cards we have to play with as it stands!

Me ? . no , I knew we didnt stand a chance , in fact I was very vocal on our board that I didn't want us to get a franchise , Leigh as a club were and still are not ready to attempt SL under franchising IMO

Party at the Stobarts Bugman, souless and unexciting i wouldnt use to describe the up and coming event. It will be a party like never before to celebrate all the hard work put in for the last 3 years.

Up the Widni!