Quote odemwingie="odemwingie"Although I would love Leigh back in super league for the rivalry between us and them, I just feel Halifax and Widnes could bring more to the league than Leigh could. Widnes and especially Halifax would have a similar impact that Hull KR have done with good away support and decent home support as they are clubs with big history and good tradition. Widnes and Halifax also have brilliant rugby league stadia and IMO have to come before Leigh. Some would also argue that a cumbria club such as Barrow would also bring more to super league if they got in, I however will sit on the fence on that one.'"
Your spot on IMO.
For me the lisence system could fall down here. Halifax doing so well this season will create a bit of hype, if Halifax can sustain this hype and continue improving on the field then Halifax for SL at the next franchise. However Halifax could also dip on the field, lose the hype and therefore not merit a franchise.
If we still had P+R, then we would see Halifax most likely coming up to super league this year, helping to continue the hype and giving them an immediate chance to prove themselves.
Then of course, they could go straight back down at the end of the season and the club is knocked back 3/4 years in terms of attracting fans etc.
As for Widnes, definate contenders no doubt about it, I really like the way the club is going at the minute. Both clubs could easily get the away support of HKR with a few decent seasons under them, and IMO the franchise system will help no end, with a few safe seasons in SL at least.