I think that's a tad harsh. Lets see how Wrexham works out before we start criticising.
I too was somewhat irked by the collapse of the franchise in South Wales, it looked like an opportunity wasted at the expense of Championship clubs and the reputation of RL. But, I have to say I've been swayed in recent weeks. Yes, rules were broken and, yes, difficult decisions had to be made. I disagree with a lot of the decisions of Red Hall, but I understand their rationale for expansion and agree that, for the stability of the game, expansion is one of the correct avenues it needs to follow.
I noticed much talk from fans prior to Celtic's inclusion into SL that South Wales might not be the place to set up a club due to its distance from the heartlands, it is within RU territory and that North Wales would be a better, untapped rugby area. I was always doubtful that Celtic would be able to survive due to its location. But, Wrexham does seem to be a better location. It may be 30 miles away from Widnes, but it is out of the heartlands, it is in Wales and there is a demand, as proved by the ticket sales for tonight's game.
Crusaders have a better location (in my opinion), a better coach and a better squad than last year. The website also suggests (to me) that their community initiatives are not only better than Celtic's, but rival other SL clubs. I can see Crusaders surprising a few people on the pitch and easily build a respectable support base.
Expansion is a tricky and difficult concept to roll out. I think the RFL would do better to provide fans with a clear and transparent outline of how RL will expand, for example in five years will Les Catalans leave SL to join the French elite league, how many teams will be in the league in the years to come etc. Personally, I would like to see two 'regional' Super Leagues that come together for the CC and play offs as it would emcompass more heartland and expansion clubs, but that's a different subject altogether.
Before you start bad mouthing the club let's not forget that their license is not over yet. Crusaders aren't going to pack up and go away because a few flat cappers don't like venturing too far away from the M62. The RFL will decide whether they can remain in SL when the license applications are submitted and that is a long time off yet. Let's wait to see how this season and their next pre-season pans out before we start speculating, and in the meantime lets shoow the welsh supporters and club members some respect and support the game we love.
