ArthurClues:YosemiteSam:Bullseye:
I can't help but think that the decision to enlarge SL is borne out of short term financial necessity
And there in lies the problem. Short term thinking delivers short term results. To my earlier point, the game over here doesn't know where "there" is.
Yes, classic case in point is today's story re the Magic Weekend being cancelled. This was an IMG recommendation that the clubs chose to ignore for 25. Looks like they've now changed their mind. Literally anything is up for review,cancellation or reintroduction at the drop of a hat in rugby league. The only thing that is consistent is the complete inconsistency.
I haven't seen the MW story, but absolutely nothing would surprise me.
On the 14 team plan, it's being reported that the criteria for the 2 additional teams haven't yet been agreed in private, never mind made public. Stinks of "which clubs do we want in SL next term, now let's make the criteria fit".
Knights, Bulls, Toulouse, Broncos (Hounds??), Oldham, Fev - are but a few names mentioned. Some would get into the 14 under IMG criteria, other wouldn't - so it's clear the independent panel has its remit.
The game is amateur hour from top to bottom.