Talking RL: Who should replace Toronto Wolfpack?

We know a new team will be handed a place in Super League next season to replace the Wolfpack, leading to plenty of debate and speculation about who may be dining at the top table in 2021.

Eight clubs meet the minimum criteria which has already been revealed - of having been in Super League, or the Championship two six, in the last two years - with more details expected this week.

Applications must be made by November 30 with a decision on Dec 16.

Of those eight, it is unclear if Widnes Vikings plan to apply, but all of the others have indicated it's their intention.

And looking at the recruitment that's already taken place, some look as if they're silently preparing for a crack at Super League next year.

Who should get it?

Depends on who you ask. And it will depend on what they want, too.

A competitive team, crowds, a club which will make Super League look more cosmopolitan? Where will the priorities be?

Fairly or not, the decision to deny Toronto Wolfpack a place next season left the competition open to accusations of being small-minded. Of looking after their own back yard rather than trying to grow the game.

With that in mind, I can't help wonder whether Toulouse and London may be early favourites for the vacant spot, to try and taper that criticism.

Toulouse have a smart stadium, a good team playing a flamboyant style, a good set-up, and a strong following with huge potential to grow (it is France's fourth largest city).

Travel issues - especially with the uncertainty of Covid-19 - does not go in their favour, and I'd be intrigued to know whether Sky Sports would favour a second French side ahead of one based in the UK, where it sells subscriptions.

London Broncos tick many boxes.

Sure, their current set-up is modest, their crowds are small, and Super League has a history of gaining any traction in the capital.

But they have a rich owner, some good players (many homegrown) and - if fairness comes into it - they were in Super League last year and gave a terrific account of themselves before being relegated to make way for Toronto.

Mentioning 'fairness', Featherstone would have a case, too, given they were beaten by Toronto Wolfpack in the Championship Grand Final. They have a good squad and a solid supporter base.

But Super League already has two clubs from the same ‘WF’ postcode (Wakefield and Castleford) – does it really want a third? Halifax's interest in Super League seems peculiar, given they have a part-time squad and their average crowd last year (1,700) was around half of Leigh’s.

When the decision is made in mid-December, the new club will have little time - and less central funding - to try and recruit a competitive side. So all of the squads with part-time players, who have jobs elsewhere, may find it difficult to assemble a competitive side at such short notice.

Leigh already have a good squad, which may add Ben Flower to it, as well as a nice stadium, a solid fanbase – the away following they take is important to many clubs’ coffers - and a rich benefactor.

The case against? Those who accuse the sport of being small-minded would no doubt point out that replacing Toronto with Leigh - ahead of, say, London and Toulouse - hardly screams ‘ambition’?

Bradford also qualify, and if they are interested, they'll hope misty-eyed memories of buzzing games at Odsal support their bid. But replacing a financially-troubled club with one which was liquidated three years ago - and doesn't have a home - would raise many questions... especially as the RFL's former CEO Nigel Wood is involved.

Which leaves one other option, and on the surface, it is an attractive one; York.

Based in an attractive city, the club has been slowly but steadily growing and improving. James Ford seems an astute coach, they have some good players - Ryan Atkins, Danny Kirmond and Adam Cuthbertson - and are moving to a smart new stadium; they would also be complete newcomers to Super League, too, which would add something fresh to the competition.

There's a lot to like about York. The big question is after years of taking steps forward, having only been promoted from League 1 in 2018, would it be a leap too far? Possibly... but if so, let's hope they - and Newcastle - are future contenders.

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