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.

PLOP, and the bait hits the water, Shouldn't be long now before you get a mutant bite.

someone in the know? or what everyone expects.

Think is wrong the Media building up Widnes. Its not fair on Widnes, The fans or the RFL. The Procedure should be open and transparent and no media pressure forcing the hand of the RFL as is currently the case. This Circus is getting worse each week and tensions are going to be running high later this year.
Widnes may be favourites but it COULD (and I doubt it) be all fur coat and no knickers. With just stuff to make it look like to the Casual observer that they should be there but in reality things are not as good as they look. And it would be better for the Media to ask the RFL if this time things are going to be more open or are certain clubs going to get favoured for where they are?

open and transparent coupled with the RFL...must be a joke.

Why confidence? Because they're the red hot favourites to best match the broad ranging criteria as set out by the RFL. It's as simple as that. Pity we can't say the same for a couple of SL clubs right now. That's the problem, not Widnes.

Here we go, only a matter of time till the Fax forum starts crawling with the Widnes lot.

Do they best match, or were they just first to match the criteria?

I have no problems with Widnes, and if they do have the best bid then good luck to them.

My issue is with the RL Media who should provide a bit more objectivity to the process.

I have read this post, but can not be bothered answering on why Widnes.Think it is getting boring and tedious now.Whatever happens i hope it is done who has the best criteria as stipulated.

Enjoy this season as i am confident with my team this year.

I’m surprised by the confidence in Widnes. They simply aren’t in a strong position being sustained by just one person. It’ll all end in tears.

Why the confidence in Widnes?

Because they are the only team that meets all the criteria.

/Thread

The RFL is bent and the press know it so they are backing who they believe are the winners as like lots of people in life, they want to be able to say 'we told you so'.
Thing is Widnes have the money man and can afford a junior set up, we can't so we don't tick that box, the RFL and especially Fat Controller will use this to keep us out. FACT.

He's right though

No surprises, you would think differently if the boot was on the other foot.

Do you really believe that the media bullies the RFL? The RFL would not let any information out that they didn't want to be out in the open.

true, they keep as much hidden away as they can from RL fans.

Very good point.. in most other sports we seem to have keen investigative journos that are eager to get to the bottom of any story...

In our sport we just seem to have a press that is happy to report whatever they are spoon fed by the powers that be.

Sorry we've disappointed you

After last night trip ? along the m62 they can keep SL and their friday night kick-offs.

But you did it and a big well done to all of you who did.

Hate friday night games especially 8pm k/o. Had to leave 20mins before end to catch tram/trains the joys of public transport oh well