If they are somewhere in the mix half way through the season, then they must have a distinct advantage staying in Toronto while all other clubs travel over for 11/12 games. Similarly Toulouse being able to opt out of the challenge cup is another example of the tail wagging the dog.

I too am all for expansion, but not at the expense of a heartland club, hence the provision of the £500 parachute payment.

Thats the grey area this time round,as they cant just simply close the doors with other potential expansion clubs on the horizon.

Licensing I presume would follow its previous path. Attendance,Stadium capacity minimum 8k with all safety features in place and academies all to be in place before the possibilty of a license.

How they write the criteria without disrupting an established SL club is yet to be seen. As is the dispensation given to the expansion clubs.

I believe I read we would all be told the structure for 2019 prior to the beginning of the 2018 season. Then again this is the RFL.

Care to elaborate H..?

Could be a frustrating season if we perform on the pitch but are then denied promotion by a shuffling of the rules! Agree with increase to 14 in SL but must be on merit not just a criteria. P&R must be retained to keep pressure on lower SL teams and ambition for top champ teams.

Must admit I like the concept of the middle 8s, and would like to see a P&R format even if it be middle 4 or even middle 2

Depends who is in the worse state from Wakefield, Salford or Widnes. Personally I cant see Salford seeing the season out even if they make the first fixture