Quote Bilko="Bilko"Having thought about it I'm pleased for Leigh because they got the thin end of the wedge when they got promoted to Super League.
I think it's fair to say they were an embarrassment in Super League during 2005 but they had to come up and finish 10th to survive (because they introduced Catalans the next year and thus two got relegated) which in a 12 team is very harsh indeed. It's the only time Super League has relegated two teams and that didn't really give them a fighting chance.
Of course they knew the scenario when they got promoted but it was nothing but bad luck to get promoted when they did. On the flip side Hull KR in my view got very good luck in getting promoted when they did and look at the success they've achieved. If Hull KR had the same stipulations has Leigh had they'd have been doomed to relegation a few weeks before the end of 2007 and they would not have returned.
Leigh have a superb stadium that puts half the Super League to shame so as much as I despise Ian Millward and remember Leigh jibing at us (Wigan) in 2006 I'm glad they got some good luck for once. I personally hope Super League looks at promoting both Leigh and Widnes next licence period who both have superb grounds and looks at those Super League clubs who to be frank provide pathetic facilities for away supporters.'"
I am also chuffed for them. Widnes or Leigh would be great for super league and both would be long term. I would love an extra big match day with some actual away fans. They were unlucky and its a shame they have worked so hard to get the stadium and it has not payed off yet. Leigh would of really kicked on had they been able to have their first season in the new stadium in super league. It's just a shame that Widnes and Toulouse are probably above them in the pecking order.
It's good to see some real competition in the franchising.
Wakefield
Salford
Celtic
Widnes
Leigh
Barrow
Halifax
Toulouse
Paris (maybe)
Competing for 3 spots
IMO we need to go up to 15 teams next time and bring in Widnes, Toulouse and Leigh. Kicking out Salford.
Next time around after that hopefully Barrow may get somewhere with a new stadium and Halifax wil be further along the track. The paris team will have a good shout due to RFL's obsession with expansion.
I think one thing being overlooked with the franchising is getting all the smaller clubs up to standard to at least be able to apply for a franchise and I also think if the top league is a franchise then the second league should be as well! The reason football is so strong is because of it's strong lower tiers and it's the same with RU and cricket.
