Seeing the future?

Tomorrow is the day that Rugby League fans across the country have been waiting for. It's the announcement of the 14 franchises awarded to the successful applicants from the 19 who vied to be in Superleague next year.

From the existing 12 members of Superleague, the only ones I can really see as having a struggle to get a licence would be Wakefield and Castleford. One of these 2 may fall - my money would be on Cas if anyone. That leaves either 2 or 3 new entrants. In terms of the development of the game, we should be hoping both Celtic Crusaders and Toulouse are granted entry, and then one from Halifax, Widnes and Salford. Sadly this appears to be a little too soon for Featherstone's efforts, although their development plans deserve to be considered for next time franchising is reviewed (2 years time I believe).

My Superleague line up for 2009 would be (and this is to be compared to the results announced at 10am tomorrow); www.skysports.com/rugbyleague

Leeds Rhinos
St Helens
Bradford Bulls
Wigan Warriors
Catalan Dragons
Warrington Wolves
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
Harlequins
Hull FC
Hull KR
Huddersfield Giants
+
Celtic Crusaders
Toulouse
Salford City Reds

Apologies to my friends at Halifax, but despite a fine season coming back from all the problems that have beset the club, it may be a bridge too far for one of Rugby League's most historic clubs. I just hope that this doesn't mean the fine up and coming players the Blue Sox have developed can continue to come through whilst they wait to reclaim their rightful place in the top flight.