If you don't do it Sky will

To be perfectly honest, it seems that more than enough of the 'heartland clubs' are in sufficient financial doo doo to suggest that the whole licensing system may well come up for debate before the next round.

Very much closing in on a shape up or ship out scenario.Would want to think that the authorities can't afford to 'invest' in financially insecure members, as overall it would damage the foundations of the game.On the other hand,I think it is more prudent than ever to level the playing field as far as Club ownership is concerned.In these days of coming austerity,investment into Clubs should be leveled or restricted, to stop financial fliers from taking advantage of those member teams who cannot attract such backing.Thereby ensuring,ground improvements apart,that the competition is about the generation of local talent embracing the whole culture of RL and success not solely reliant on the ability to buy the best players.

I don't think RL itself, as a game, is any danger.



What's up for debate is really how it operates at a professional level. What we have now appears not sustainable over the longer term and whether tinkering with licensing, higher, lower or no salary cap, or even P&R is the answer are all fair questions. For me, the biggest problem is that we have only one fully pro league, simply because this prevents any kind of orderly up and down movement between the divisions.



I appreciate this is similar to the position of the premier league in soccer but [iwe[/i don't have the squillions to bandy about with parachute payments etc to be paid to clubs moving from one financial planet to another - in fact, over the years most clubs leaving SL have conveniently gone bust. Fortunately it doesn't cost vast amounts to re-start at a semi-pro level, which is how clubs have continued.



For what it's worth I agree that we shouldn't allow big financial muscle to take advantage, but we do need them to come in, if maybe with a slightly more altruistic view of things. Trouble is the big 'money men' are not usually the best when it comes to seeing all sides, and tend to want to control things and are only too used to being top dog and having the final word. We need them in RL, but they must be controlled and definitely not allowed out of control.

Rumours on twitter that the RFL are expected to announce our licence has been extended to end of 2014. Good news, can start signing some players up.

From the T&A:



Meanwhile, the RFL are poised to confirm that the Bulls' Super League licence has been extended until the end of 2014.



The announcement could be made early this week, giving the Bulls the green light to begin planning for next year on and off the field.

Still no word on this licence. I am getting twitchy, are we about to be stitched up once again? May 1st now very close!

May 1st is an important date for us in terms of other clubs being able to talk to our OOC players (like they dont before then anyway !). But it has no importance to RFL in terms of making the license decision. they never set a date on which they would make a decision, although they do seem to be dragging their heels now.

Bump for a tweet by Ross H earlier tonight:



Ross Heppenstall ‏@rosshtanda



Some very positive news regarding the Bulls in tomorrow's T&A...

Quote Nothus="Nothus"Bump for a tweet by Ross H earlier tonight: Ross Heppenstall ‏@rosshtanda Some very positive news regarding the Bulls in tomorrow's T&A...'" Indeed. Licence granted for 2014! Good news. www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/s ... 4_licence/

Quote Nothus="Nothus"Bump for a tweet by Ross H earlier tonight: Ross Heppenstall ‏@rosshtanda Some very positive news regarding the Bulls in tomorrow's T&A...'" Indeed. Licence granted for 2014! Good news. www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/s ... 4_licence/

Quote debaser="debaser"Indeed. Licence granted for 2014! Good news. www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/s ... 4_licence/'" A joke & a disgrace. The RFL's darlings etc..

Quote debaser="debaser"Indeed. Licence granted for 2014! Good news. www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/s ... 4_licence/'" A joke & a disgrace. The RFL's darlings etc..