spegs wrote:
You've been trying for 35 years. Using the word parochial does not add any strength to the failing argument that Super League is / would be better off with teams from outside the heartland.
Without broader appeal (especially in regards to media coverage) RL would become a glorified pub game.
The sport has to find a way to grow.
The main source of income is drawn from the TV deal, which in turn, relies on advertising revenue which is dependent on viewing figures.
Are there enough people interested in watching clubs from 2 small areas in the North of England to generate the level of interest required to pull in TV broadcasting companies.
Sorry but, it's expand or die, especially on the International stage.
The inclusion of an additional French club and Toronto will certainly increase media interest and the game could take off in Canada (I know there is a long, long way to go) and if this is at the cost of dropping a heartland club from SL, so be it.
Of course, it would be preferable to have a 14 or 16 club SL and it's only the greed of the big clubs that has caused the reduction to the current 12 clubs.
With a higher level of funding and progressive marketing (which Toronto seem to have) the sport can grow which, in the longer term, is good for every one.