And you accuse starbug of rambling

The problem though Smokey, is what precipitates the decision that it is the right time for a change? Going bust? And how much time do clubs get to react to this sudden decision, both those who are losing the franchise and those who are a) being asked to prepare a bid and b) make the step up to SL? The process would be even less transparent than it is now!



Without a three year timeframe in place, unenfranchised clubs (and I would use the term disenfranchised in the context of rugby league as a whole) have no horizon on which to base their ambition to be promoted.



On the other hand, abolishing the three year rule would at least provide irrefutable evidence that a full breakaway would be needed by those outside SL to allow them to control their own destiny and look after their own interests, just as SL only looks after it's own.

I would have thought applying any time frame was inappropriate in Bradford's case as they were already in deep dung when they were handed a Grade 2 license last year.

This is a rare moment. I agree with you! Knock me over with a feather





The game needs to focus on what it does right - the fantastic product on the pitch. Licensing and criteria has taken over topical discussions; taken the onus away from what happens on the pitch. The Championships need to focus on their lot - with the help from a dedicated "man in charge at the RFL" and the same appointment made for SL. We have a lot of work to do down here without fannying around applying for something which - in the immediate future - isn't going to be given. Clubs need to improve their lot and somehow make it so the RFL and SL come knocking on their door rather than them chasing some pipe dream when ill equipped to do so.



SL also needs to stop the rot that Crusaders, Wakefield and now Bradford have let spread. I'm not so sure that some clubs can actually afford full time squads. But even if the RFL managed to relieve Sky of an extra £50m would the clubs just blow the lot?



The finals season is upon us - it's the business end of the season. Let's hope we're talking about the matches and not some other drawn out drama.

It wasnt the failing of the CC I meant , it was their inclusion right from the start that removed any credibility the licence system had from day one

Without significant investement in the Championships the time frame is irrelivant , no club will ever be in a position to bridge the gap, barring perhaps a club pulling in a Ken Davy type investor willing to put tens of millions in to buy fans and ultimatley a SL place



In the meantime the bottom half of SL will also wither and die

I'll do the job rich , 80 K a year and a couple of million budget and we might start getting somewhere, they'll probably get Ralph to do it with some ' try/no try flags and a few free SL grand final tickets



I might even start watching games again

I don't think handing out free bowls of lobby is going to help much though.

With carrots and beetroot it would





The thing is, we know what is needed, but the idiots in charge are completely clueless in all aspects, we currently have the Bradford mess, confusion with the new Championship clubs and the reserve/u 20/23/18/19 dual reg situation, all badly thought out and implemented, I find it incredible that the supposed intelligent people running the clubs ( SL ) put up with it

The way Bradford are playing tonight, it's clear they are no longer playing for their futures as they celebrate the new ownership along with their secured SL licence.



Whoops... not allowed to announce that last bit just yet until all due processes are concluded and addressed as fair and above board.



Franchising = the encouragement of mediocrity.

Agree with the large majority of that. One of the big failings of licensing was that it led RL interest away from the sport itself into the dull minutae of sports-business. 'Will we get a new stand' rather than 'will we get a new stand-off'. Facilities and revenue streams and all that poop are important, but it shouldn't overshadow the game.

If we're going to have true franchising, let's be honest about it. There's no perfect solution - I'd go for 3 year cycles of P+R, but that has the potential to throw up anomalies (reaching the play-offs, possibly even winning the GF, and going down in the same season, for example). Let's choose something, the imperfections of which we acknowledge and can live with. Changing the rules retrospectively because you don't the outcome is [ireally[/i plop. Briefly suspending them and then saying they still apply, starting from... now!, isn't viable.

Is the new owner an RL fan? Does he think he can market RL to the local Asian community? Who owns Osdal - is it the local authority?