: Wed Aug 12, 2009 7:22 am  

Dont know what everyones getting in a flap about. Nothing has really changed. Once again as in previous seasons if a team can prove that it has the means(not just a sugar daddy pumping in money) they will be aloud to spend more than the cap.
Once again it wont affect teams with SL ambitions, Fev, Fax Widne< barrow etc. Its more aimed at teams like Haven, Leigh, Batley where they havnt got the income to support their spending.

: Wed Aug 12, 2009 8:45 am  

Chris Dalton wrote:

And what if they haven't? What if they decide not to do the right thing? What then? We will be further neutered. TWO places for relegation, no places for promotion, a completely equalised league no matter how far ahead we are in terms of finances and crowds, it would not be good for us at all.

That decision is even larger than it was last time. If they deny us this time, with the clearest case for a license and several in super league going back on promises that could be the worst moment in the clubs history.

That's a bridge we need to cross if we come to it. Though i feel it will be the end for pro rl in Widnes if we don't. I can also see SOC quite rightly walking. I'll probably give up on the game at that point.

: Wed Aug 12, 2009 10:01 am  

Chris Dalton wrote:

And what if they haven't? What if they decide not to do the right thing? What then? We will be further neutered. TWO places for relegation, no places for promotion, a completely equalised league no matter how far ahead we are in terms of finances and crowds, it would not be good for us at all.

That decision is even larger than it was last time. If they deny us this time, with the clearest case for a license and several in super league going back on promises that could be the worst moment in the clubs history.

Bang on, Chris.

It would be a very frightening prospect for Widnes if we don't get the nod for 2012. We may as well be bumbling along with crowds of 1,000 and have no youth structure, like most of the other clubs. We would have no advantage over clubs with attendances of 400 like Gateshead. It would be very possible that we could be relegated and find our club dying on its ar5e in Championship 1.

We'll be competing with no financial advantage with clubs like Batley, Sheffield, Dewsbury and Oldham, as well as the traditionally strong clubs in this league such as Halifax, Whitehaven, Leigh and Fev. Then there'll be the RFL expansion clubs who'll be full of Aussies and probably won't have to worry about silly things like a salary cap.

This is bad news for us. It really is.

: Wed Aug 12, 2009 10:05 am  

I wouldn't worry too much, Fax salary is only 250k a year, almost half the current salary cap, and 50k under next years. Therefore we can still strengthen next year. Surely your players wont be on that much more than ours?

: Wed Aug 12, 2009 10:10 am  

I think the news is fantastic for Widnes, after lifting the NRC.

: Wed Aug 12, 2009 10:24 am  

vikings 4 ever wrote:

I know its all hypothetical but I believe that SO'C may have a bit more fight if it was to happen again. He wouldn't really be left with any other option would he. With a top stadium, youth development that can't really go any further, decent crowds and a competitive team on the pitch - if we were rejected again, we may as well get rid of all youth development and have no full time players - how would that be good for the game?

Surely the RFL must be seen to reward clubs for doing things the right way, otherwise what the point in anyone even trying? Also if it is treated as a closed shop, there would absolutely no threat to the current SL teams to improve on what they are doing. You never know in a couple of years time we might be held by the RFL as a shining example of how to win a licence from outside SL.

Agreed! After 2012 I can only really see 'Expansion' sides breaking into SL if franchise system says the same!

TBH should just put Widnes / Leigh / Halifax and 1 of Cumbria ( Barrow due to money) in to Super League and leave the rest at the even playing field across board that they want!

: Wed Aug 12, 2009 10:32 am  

richardviking wrote:

I think the news is fantastic for Widnes, after lifting the NRC.

You won't be saying that if we are heading for relegation next season with no room on the SC to strengthen, or if we don't get the nod in 2012.

This may be good for SOC's pocket, but it could be disastrous for the club if we don't get a licence for 2012.

: Wed Aug 12, 2009 11:16 am  

Pepe wrote:

You won't be saying that if we are heading for relegation next season with no room on the SC to strengthen, or if we don't get the nod in 2012.

This may be good for SOC's pocket, but it could be disastrous for the club if we don't get a licence for 2012.

But aint there the same chance of that for Halifax & Barrow anyway?
Alot of our players already on 2 year deals so if they do get excemption then so will we!

: Wed Aug 12, 2009 11:18 am  

FaxMan1 wrote:

I wouldn't worry too much, Fax salary is only 250k a year, almost half the current salary cap, and 50k under next years. Therefore we can still strengthen next year. Surely your players wont be on that much more than ours?

Seems a little optimistick with the likes of Beswick / Gleeson / Penky / Black on board!

: Wed Aug 12, 2009 11:32 am  

J20 wrote:

But aint there the same chance of that for Halifax & Barrow anyway?

Yes. There'll be no real advantage for any club in this league anymore, no matter how strong they are off the field. That's sort of the point: anyone can end up being champions or relegated. It sounds like a recipe for an exciting league, but not very good for clubs that have ambition and the wealth to be better than the others.

J20 wrote:

Alot of our players already on 2 year deals so if they do get excemption then so will we!

That's not really what I'm on about. Forget this/next season. Look at the situation we'll be in should we not get a SL place in 2012.