Thats true, they hold all the aces its total domination by the Fat Controller and I thought the Iron Curtain had come down years ago but it survives, in the world of RL.
Thats one of the reasons why I hate this process, too much power is in the hands of a few, upset them and you have no chance.

I would love to be able to do like Councils have to allow a Freedom of Information request on the RFL.
That would open up a pandoras box of tricks wouldn't it???
Like how much do you pay Crusaders Nigel???

We all really hope not BUT as you say this may be a way of throwing us a few crumbs and keeping us at bay as really we should be in SL in July based on the FACTS which are:-

Cas, Wakey and Salford all do not have a ground that is good enough to meet the SL criteria of today, not in 2 years time.

salford ground going up well when past it.

They should still be judged on the willows because thats were they're playing now.

No John , as much as we were unfairly treated , two wrongs don't make a right , Salford will play at Barton in the 2012 season , to ignore that fact would be childish , IMO of course

Just to add to the conspiracy theories, has anyone considered that Widnes's admission might be the pre-cursor for a merger between them and Crusaders? We all know Crusaders are in a precarious position and one which is unsustainable. If they are teetering, it could the reason Fax are being kept in the mix for July.

Not clutching at straws here but consider this;

(1) There is only 26 miles between the two towns
(2) Crusaders attendances are dire and Widnes have a strong fan base thus providing an immediate attendance boost for Wrexham games
(3) The RFL will save face as a presence is maintained in Wales thus supporting future development in the region
(4) Games can be split between Widnes and Wrexham with minimum inconvenience
(5) With Crusaders being a new club there wouldnt be the wholesale anger and rejection encountered the last time this was tried when SL came into existence (remember Calder

)
(6) There is a proven succesful model in Aus (St George Illawarra Dragons) and we all know thats where the RFL get most of their ideas from

There is no doubt that Widnes would be dominant partner and the franchise would also have its attractions for Steve O'Conner and the Widnes board as they look to grow and secure the Vikings brand. Personally I think it would be a success and no doubt be used as an RFL model for the future mergers.

Just a thought..................

You know what thought did ?

In fact no I don't , what ' did ' thought do ? , does anybody know , I'll google it

Yes I was right

You know what thought did

But your after changing the rules to suit one club.
When salford handed there application in,theres no way could they give a guarantee to be in that stadium for the start of the season.Thats what the rfl said they will judge clubs on.

It has worked in Australia with St George Illawarra and also with Wests Tigers but it has failed before in Super League with Sheffield Giant Eagles and Gateshull Thunder Sharks. Perhaps in Australia they are more tolerant of manufactured teams

The difference is out here club identities are maintained. The Hudds-Sheff thing was an absorbtion of a failing club and Hudds had no intention/clue how to keep a hold of the Sheffield fans. If the RFL stipulate that Widnes must have the Welsh connection as part of their business, or lose the franchise, I could see it working. Huge business opportunity of you ask me and honestly, if it doesnt happen in July it will only be a matter of time.

By the way Starbug, I checked after the thought and there was nothing solid to worry myself about

Fantastic idea , except Widnes have been given a licence all of their own , they might merge you lot with the ' Taffs ' , will I get in trouble for calling them ' Taffs ' , bollox , ive done it again

Great thought but what a great excuse for Super League to really close ranks and keep Wakefield in alongside a "Widnes Crusaders". Still searching for a way to get a foot in the Skyper League door.

i can't see the point of a team 20 miles from widnes with low support so a forced merger would be a rather neat solution for the RFL whilst a proper development team was fostered in south wales in the championship. might explain why widnes have been uber favourites for a sl application

Or just that they are the only club that can viably move up from the Championships , and compete from day one

Halifax are just been kept in as a fallback, in case another Super League club goes under in the next few months. There are obviously financial concerns still at Crusaders, probably other clubs which we are not aware of. If the rest of the clubs get through till July, we'll still be in the championship next year. Makes sense for the RFL to hedge their bets, but doesn't do our proud club any favours. We're a get-out option, nothing else.

But would you rather not be told so ?

Sounds like what we have been or the past few years if you believe what you here. Rejected in 2008 yet put on constant standby once Crusaders and then Quins were struggling.

Not 100% sure what your trying to play here Starbug, 3 teams bid two were always going to be unsuccesful at this stage so how are they being stitched up?

That's better my friend.

I think what he means is are the RFL seriously considering us for a Super League place or are we being used as part of "the big stick" to ensure the Super League clubs get their house in order.
The way I see it Rimmer said we were ready for Super League and would be in the mix with all other Super League clubs in July . So as we are ready and there are certain Super League clubs who do not fill the criteria it isn`t a case of "do we go up" but it`s who are the RFL going to demote into the Championship. If we don`t get our place then it confirms what everyone thinks of the RFL anyway , that at best they are a bunch of sharletons and at worse a bunch of crooks come July we will all see if they really want any credability in this sport or not.

Agree 100%...Top post!!!!

Makes sense to me which is precisely why the RFL will probably reject your idea.

Wasn't debatng the why's but simply the aftermath


Obviously Fax fans will be frustrated with it all but again wasn;t confidence shown on here nor at the club on the day so after hearing you meet all criteria it appears you were further ahead then you believed last week even so maybe there is a real chance in July.

Yes the process is not the besst by any stretch but about being delayed to July etc that was always in place? Yes the 'preparation' line does seem a bit odd delaying a few months but wouldn't you rather be still in with a shout than not at all?

P.s. yes I can just see SO'C putting money into Widnes working hard over 4 years to get the club back into the top flight then happily playing hald our games in Wales and cutting revenue





Why don't Leigh stick their hands in for that then?

Just hoping your Chairman overstretches himself



Reel em in thats my motto.