Bradford Bulls • Re: Halifax (A)

The closed shop system doesn’t bother me. As long as the league has the capacity to expand. The NRL started off like this, now they have the New Zealand Warriors, Melbourne Storm, Gold Coast Titans and more recently the Dolphins.

I think this is what failed last time with franchising. They were looking to replace clubs and fast track in solely due to area rather than expanding.

For example. If IMG decide to go 14 teams initially. And say Toulouse, Featherstone and Widnes go up with Wakey coming down. I’d have no qualms if IMG were clear and said:

Wakey. You need to upgrade your stadium and be competitive in the Champ for two seasons. Whilst maintaining your current fanbase or at least average 3k.

Bradford. Similar.

Newcastle. You need to increase your current average and build a competitive side etc.

Then maybe two years down the line Wakey meet that and get put in as the 15th team. Year after Newcastle might be the 16th team.

For reference Gold Coast got admitted to the NRL in 2008. Not been a great side in those years but still get good crowds and no relegation means they can build.

Statistics: Posted by Bulls Boy 2011 — Thu Apr 20, 2023 9:41 am

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