Just seen this article posted about 20 minutes ago. www.superleaguefans.com/rugby-le ... -2013.html Doesn't seem much substance to it but who knows with the RFL. Also, have 'Fax actually 'ticked a box' yet on the field? Since last set of franchises we have won the NRC and Fev and Sheffield made the Final so shouldn't they be the only teams eligible? Can't see any one team going straight up though without at least some semblance of 'bids' and 'franchises' and all those other things the RFL love so much. Still, it sounds like SOME big news is going to break soon!

Just seen this article posted about 20 minutes ago. www.superleaguefans.com/rugby-le ... -2013.html Doesn't seem much substance to it but who knows with the RFL. Also, have 'Fax actually 'ticked a box' yet on the field? Since last set of franchises we have won the NRC and Fev and Sheffield made the Final so shouldn't they be the only teams eligible? Can't see any one team going straight up though without at least some semblance of 'bids' and 'franchises' and all those other things the RFL love so much. Still, it sounds like SOME big news is going to break soon!

Thats just what Ive just read too, have Fax ticked a box in this Franchise period, only us Sheffield and Fev have

I would suspect it would be based on the next best application from the previous franchise period. Although I suspect they're maybe putting two and two together and getting something a lot different to four.

A "merger" between Fax and a Newco which has purchased the Bulls' playing roster and SL place (similar to Hudds/Sheff and Hull/Gates).

Both teams to finish their seasons based at The Shay and to merge for next season.

You heard it here first......

Well my take on this is that it is a non starter.

Fax and Bradford are both well supported clubs in their respective divisions.

Licensing is about expanding the game

Bradford fans will never become Fax fans and vica versa.

It has as much credabilty as London Broncos surviving another two seasons. Having said that I take no pleasure in saying it.

Licensing has produced only detrimental consequences for the pro game and I am going off the evidence not on my flatcapper mentality.

Try telling that to some Fax fans who have had a bee in their bonnet about this for years.



Praying we either dont get the chance or turn it down tbh.

Luke Amblers confirmed it was a joke on his twitter. The announcement is to do with England RL not Fax/Bradford

As stated, we've been here before.....and in both cases, the 'asset-stripped' club reformed, and re-built.....although, in Gateshead's case, that re-building has suffered a few false dawns!!

I reckon if the Bulls don't get through this then SDL/RFL will use it as the excuse to reduce the number of SDL clubs to 12........so any other SDL club that is currently struggling (and there are two or three if the rumours are to be believed!) needs to start panicking!!

Of course, maybe this is an opportunity for Tricky Dickie's replacement to make a name for themself, grasp the nettle, and look seriously at the future of franchising/licencing, and how the sport, it's member clubs, and income streams are managed!!

I can't believe so much was made of this anyway, it was a ridiculous story.

Tweet from Halifax earlier:

Halifax RLFC ‏@Halifax_RLFC

Folks, there is no truth in rumour of a Super League place for 2013. The Championship and Northern Rail are still our 2012 goals

and:

Halifax RLFC ‏@Halifax_RLFC

The news we wanted to tell you all - is that Adam Robinson has signed a one year contract extension. One of this seasons super players.

Nice free publicity for the club. They would never let us back in SL while we are turning a profit.

What worries me is that if Bradford are relegated to the Chp, they'd probably, upon finding some nice new shiny investors find themselves taking the Chp spot back to SL in a couple of year's time which would be wrong.
RL needs a strong Bradford side tbh

No I think they need a club with a tight grip on their finances - regardless of who that is.