
Tell me Mr Centurion re The Super League, is it a franchise type thing, you almost have to buy your way in? As I don't keep such an eye on it nowadays what happened to Bradford Bulls, I know they were in severe financial difficulties, were they kicked out and was it the same with the Broncos?
It was
@172traindriver & for far too long.
Try to keep this short, but that is difficult.
Promotion & relegation scrapped just after Leigh Centurions relegation from Super League in 2006. It was replaced by the "Franchise" system as operated by the NRL in Australia. As they tend to say about finance etc, "America coughs, the World gets a cold" the same happens here with the RFL who adopt anything the Aussie NRL do (or they did).
Fan pressure & Club pressure has ultimately overturned this ridiculous state of affairs, although the RFL would have us believe it is their idea.
The criteria to gain entry to Super League used to be based on Club Finance, attendances, stadium & facilities & geography.
Those clubs who fell in Geographically important areas (of Development) to the RFL were treated much differently to heartland clubs, with exemptions being made etc.
Many of these exemptions/concessions were unofficial, a few were including, going unpunished for financial irregularities/going into administration for example (the RFL bailed them out).
Fielding more than the overseas player quota, (O.k if you are a French, Welsh or London Club).
Having low attendances & Stadiums not fit for Super League.
Interestingly Bradord Bulls, a big club with a large following in a Rugby League heartland were punished last season by the RFL & docked 6 points for going into administration, a penalty that ultimately resulted in the relegation (introduced last season) along with London Broncos, who are just plain S#!T€ & have no fans or even a Stadium to call there own.
London (in their various names/guises & venues) have had more false starts than the starting grid at Brands Hatch & more 2nd chances than a pervy Torie MP & more name changes than a dodgy corner shop.
The RFL are hell bent on "Expansion" of the game to those who don't really want it, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, London & the majority of France.
The Catalan region are perhaps the exception, yet they were gifted direct entry to Super League, having never played in any U.K lower division & then a 6 year 'Freedom Pass' where they could not be relegated. At least they have a home stadium & a following.
So, relegation re-introduced last season but no promotion to SL, which is introduced this season (or Centurions would be in it).
Promotion this season is based on an overly complicated play off series that favours the current incumbents of SL & so no direct entry, no come top, win everything & get promoted, just a convoluted money spinner.
Wouldn't happen in any other sport.
War & Peace over....
Praise the Lord I hear you say
