Franchises. A done deal??

As we know all too well in Widnes, the RFL have always had a particular way of asking a question after an answer has already been found!

There have been many, many posts on here recently about how few fans Les Cats have or how the Quins fans minibus is never full, but lets be honest - to point this out as being an influencing factor to the distribution of franchise licenses is almost as relevant as pointing out that Saints ground does not meet criteria!

It is about time that people realise that whatever the RFL intend to do with the franchise licenses, they are probably already 99% decided on what the outcome will be. They do not decide things based on a single meeting and these things are the result of years of planning.

To prove a point. RFL/SL brought in Catalans and gave them a couple of seasons grace over which to build a side with a chance of survival - or so we thought! No. What the RFL had actually decided was that they would bring in a French team, but this time ensure that they would not fail and they would go the distance, unlike PSG in the past. So they tell the world that the two seasons grace will be followed by them playing competitive rugby, then change the rules for everyone removing the risk of relegation altogether and giving themselves the power to decide if the French team stays or goes on a three-yearly basis.

My point is, do not think that these things happen by accident. This was no coincidence and I have no doubt that they next ten years of RFL organisation is already in place. Let's just hope we are in it!