licence rival out of the running

[JonM]

Leigh's record in the "big" tv games is pretty poor - semi vs batley and now this.

The licence aspect hadn't crossed my mind; just glad we get a home game if we beat Barrow.

[reg warner]

Unless of course, Toulouse are going to pull a cat out the bag, but I cant see the RFL going down that road.

The RFL's Operational Rules state that at least one club from the Championship which meets the minumum standards will be granted a SL licence.  As Toulouse don't meet the minimum standards then the RFL would have to invite them to submit a SL application as an "overseas club" and even if the RFL did that it could not affect our application.  It's on page 127.

http://www.therfl.co.uk/clientdocs/Part%201_Articles%20etc_Section%20A.pdf

[DJones]

Why would you go and watch Leigh next season? How are they going to sell season tickets? Basically now, they know they're stuck where they are for four seasons - 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, with no chance of progressing.

Although probable, thats not a certainty.  They're not going to be eligible to be put forward as the national league side that will be guarantee'd a place in SL, but there's nothing to stop them submitting a bid for a licence along with all the current SL clubs, Toulouse, Edinburgh or whoever.

In theory, if their licence application gets more points than other clubs, then they should be in.  

Looking at it from that point of view, they'll have more to play for than the majority of clubs, they'll want a successful team, good crowds, improving finances etc, to demonstrate that in their new stadium they would be make a good SL club.

[Bomb Jack]

Although probable, thats not a certainty.  They're not going to be eligible to be put forward as the national league side that will be guarantee'd a place in SL, but there's nothing to stop them submitting a bid for a licence along with all the current SL clubs, Toulouse, Edinburgh or whoever.

In theory, if their licence application gets more points than other clubs, then they should be in.  

Looking at it from that point of view, they'll have more to play for than the majority of clubs, they'll want a successful team, good crowds, improving finances etc, to demonstrate that in their new stadium they would be make a good SL club.

But i thought they are no allowed to apply if they don't tick the on field performance box, end of ?

[vikinggriff]

But i thought they are no allowed to apply if they don't tick the on field performance box, end of ?

all clubs can apply, the onfield box is for automatic spot award to 1 championship side that only sides who meet the minimum standards released can apply for

[J20]

all clubs can apply, the onfield box is for automatic spot award to 1 championship side that only sides who meet the minimum standards released can apply for

Interesting a few weeks back the ONLY rule in PUBLIC was that you had to win NRC / Get to a grand final BUT they never metioned for 2nd bids whether it was needed.

But when they asked Millward he admitted defeat on SL effort due to tonight's loss.

[alanC]

Interesting a few weeks back the ONLY rule in PUBLIC was that you had to win NRC / Get to a grand final BUT they never metioned for 2nd bids whether it was needed.

But when they asked Millward he admitted defeat on SL effort due to tonight's loss.

I think it was a given to be fair , a championship club had to meet the onfield minimum criteria to apply in november or april, unless of course you can be an expansion club and get invited in, ie Toulouse, I still am a bit wary of the RFL curve ball over them 

[Rickp]

I did predict that Leigh wouldn't progress in the play offs on an earlier thread this month. Its good news for us that they can't apply, but bad news for the sport, especailly with whats happening down in London ATM. This is were the RFL should clamp down on expansion for the time being & maybe give the likes of Leigh & Fax, clubs that are trying to reach the criteria a chance.

[Sandgroper]

It will take a lot to convince me that the RFL has any 'plan'.

They seem to react to situations rather than plan progress, which is why we are in the present situation vis a vis expansion etc.

A measured plan to assist in the steady improvement in Ferench RL would, IMO, be more cost effective in the long term rather than attempting to shoe-horn the odd French club into our league with all the travel costs associated with that. In the meantime the French league is largely ignored.

Improve their League with support and involve either SL or Championship teams in an endn of season international play-off (depending on the French league standard).

The aim should be to make the games truly competitive with the UK representatives chosen from the appropriate level of our competitions.

[Peter]

It will take a lot to convince me that the RFL has any 'plan'.

They seem to react to situations rather than plan progress, which is why we are in the present situation vis a vis expansion etc.

A measured plan to assist in the steady improvement in Ferench RL would, IMO, be more cost effective in the long term rather than attempting to shoe-horn the odd French club into our league with all the travel costs associated with that. In the meantime the French league is largely ignored.

Improve their League with support and involve either SL or Championship teams in an endn of season international play-off (depending on the French league standard).

The aim should be to make the games truly competitive with the UK representatives chosen from the appropriate level of our competitions.

I said some time ago that the best way for RL to expand in France would be to have no French Teams in SL but have a Televised play off between the top 4 teams in the Championship and the top four in France, with only home grown players eligible for selection.

[Brynhild]

That sort of Anglo-Francais cup would be a good idea, especially during these licensing periods.

Make the league leaders the champions of the Championship

[Gary the red]

Depending on when there season starts an idea to bring them up to speed is to play one of the french league clubs during are bye week, so every french league club will have played a championship club and vice versa which should bring the gap closer whilst also letting the smaller clubs of both leagues to play a big game outiside the league, decide who plays at home by either tossing a coin or play the full fixtures in france but it would depend on were toulouse go as fans won't pay for 2 france trips

[J20]

You want my feelings on them...

My prediction for next year is the game will be even more of a laughing stock when Widnes are 'promoted' from the lower half of the table

I hope they rot!

[RB]

I don't like this gloating at our local rivals expense just becuase they can't tick a box.
Sheffiield were the better team , deserved to win so well done Sheffield.
If we get through I would rather face Sheffield at home than Leigh away.

[newsboy]

If we get through I would rather face Sheffield at home than Leigh away.

So would I. Not exactly got a good track record against Leigh in recent seasons, have we?