Which sides are most likely to get a SL licence

[Maximus Decimus]

The only thing I have against Widnes is that, it appears, that they got the one trophy and offloaded any high earners , for me a shoe in for SL should be a team challenging every season, it looks like they've sat back on their one 'tick'

apart from that, they have everything else set, stadium, fan base, youth set-up etc.

Would love to see Featherstone in serious contention but a. we haven't qualified to apply b. crowds don't hit 2,500 every week (they have done this year...) and c. the stadium isn't complete (or started yet)

We didn't actually do this. Don't forget the cap went down to 300k this year. It's easy to look at our league position and think this is the case but we had probably as competitive a side this year as last. We've had major issues this year such as losing a head coach for much of it and losing key players like a captain and your two starting props. Despite this we still haven't had what you would call a beating.

People seem to be making the mistake of thinking that we aimed to finish where we have this year.

[Maximus Decimus]

Until very recently we regularly made the final (like in 2007) and have two cup wins and a final under our belt in the northern rail cup competition too.

We actually finished higher than 5th last year.

Just to get the actual figures regarding Barrow and their surge for glory,

Barrow 2010 average: 1,805 (2,280) Down 20.8%

Widnes 2010 average: 3,061 (3,808) Down 19.7%

So from a much higher base Widnes' crowds have actually fallen less than Barrow's. So Mick's incessant insistence that Widnes' are on a downward spiral compared to Barrow's upwards curve is incorrect.

Just because Barrow are in Cumbria means nothing. I remember they were in Cumbria the last few times they were in the top flight and I don't recall anything special then. Also Workington were the only club in Cumbria when they were in Super League and they only got crowds around 2,000. Granted they were a poor side but it doesn't change this fact.

Certain posters are trying to play the geography card simply because they have nothing else. We heard it all last time with Celtic Crusaders about how they had a massive geographical area from which to draw support. We have licensing for a reason, Barrow should spend the next 3 years getting themselves in a place where they can justify their inclusion through concrete things not some useless rhetoric.

[Steve May]

Toulouse needs to be added to the poll, they have more chance to impress Sky with the european aspect. They will be guaranteed b4 Widnes as Celtic were.

I can't see why Sky would be impressed by SL having another club in a place where Sky don't sell dishes.

Sky are on record as saying that they supported the entrance of the Catalans Dragons because it was good for the game, they offered no benefit to Sky and nor will Toulouse.

[shrek]

I can't see why Sky would be impressed by SL having another club in a place where Sky don't sell dishes.

Sky are on record as saying that they supported the entrance of the Catalans Dragons because it was good for the game, they offered no benefit to Sky and nor will Toulouse.

Do Catalans get there share of the Sky money as don't they have there own TV deal as well? Always wondered!

[goldcard]

Para 7 seems to imply that Barrow, erm, won't even apply?

Anyone got anything to back that up?

Currently, only Fax and Widnes have the ground box ticked, which is why, fo me, it's between these 2, with Widnes ahead in my personal view.

[shrek]

Para 7 seems to imply that Barrow, erm, won't even apply?

Anyone got anything to back that up?

Nope but they seem to be confusing Barrow for Batley with regard to the Northern Rail Cup so I wouldn't put to much faith in the accuracy of the article!

[goldcard]

Nope but they seem to be confusing Barrow for Batley with regard to the Northern Rail Cup so I wouldn't put to much faith in the accuracy of the article!

TBH, that's why I asked for more, rather than have a sly dig at Barrow fans for talking up a club that won't even be in the mix.

If there was a quote from a chief exec, or something, it would maybe have more basis.

More likely that it's Batley not applying.

[Bomb Jack]

More likely that it's Batley not applying.

It is, and they are not.

[The Parksider]

I can't see why Sky would be impressed by SL having another club in a place where Sky don't sell dishes.

Sky are on record as saying that they supported the entrance of the Catalans Dragons because it was good for the game, they offered no benefit to Sky and nor will Toulouse.

They'll sell no dishes tommorrow, maybe one day SKY will be able to show a meaningful GB/France international that could even end up being home and away. SKY may wish for RL to move forwards to produce a better prioduct in the future. Hope so.