JM2010

I think Cumbria vs London could work. Maybe trial it at Academy level or even scholarship level first. I'd include NE players in the Yorkshire set up for now until they can field a more competitive squad

I always have a think who else could go and play in the NRL. Thompson is an obvious one. Who else would be able to go and do well?

There's a lot of comments on other threads regarding the next TV deal with some saying the Championship and League 1 won't be part of it. Does this mean they are looking for their own TV deal and if so how much could they realistically look to get and how much would they need to be no worse off than now

My best case scenario would be England winning some major tournaments with France, Wales and Pacific Islands getting to some finals and more teams being competitive at tier 2

There's no guarantee on producing SL quality players so I'm with you there. Maybe the criteria could be based on funding with X amount of each team's central funding ringfenced for schools and community club development.

I don't think it should just be for new clubs. It should be a minimum criteria for all clubs. I don't have a problem with shared academies for the elite players as I think they have their benefits.

Sorry but I'm with Parky here. If it isn't official criteria it should be. Producing players and generating money should be the two most important criteria for the RFL

How many teams will there be in the Nigerian competition?

I think the NE could be a real growth area for the game at junior and community level. They're not too far from the heartlands so any of the stronger clubs can play in a stronger competition if needed. Newcastle getting promoted could help accelerate that growth

Maybe not a big city but a well known one that would be a great place for away fans to visit. I agree that it's too soon for them in the next couple of years but it's good to see them doing well. I think both the SL and Championship are going to provide a lot of entertainment this season

I think they'd all add something but my preference in order would be Toulouse Toronto York Sheffield

I did say current top 4. I think Toulouse and Toronto are guaranteed. A lot can change over the course of the season but I think at least 3 of those teams will make the playoffs with Halifax, Featherstone and Bradford being other possible contenders

The current top 4 in the Championship are all big cities and aren't from the current strongholds of Greater Manchester, Cheshire/Merseyside, West Yorkshire or East Yorkshire. It's highly likely that the promoted club will come from one of these with a Toulouse vs Toronto GF being my prediction. Which team do you think will add the most to SL and have the best chance of becoming a team that challenges at the top?

Out of interest Parky (and this isn't a dig at you), which current clubs outside of SL do you think would benefit from a rich investor? Bradford being the obvious one

Sarginson looking dangerous every time he gets the ball