apologies for bringing up the franchise at this stage of the season but was reading somewhere that the winners of the northern rail cup would be eligble to apply for a super league licence in 2011.

i thought that anyone could apply for a licence wheather they have won any silverware or not.

could someone clear this matter up for me.

No doubt its subject to change, but you either have to have won the NRC or appeared in a Grand final to be able to apply.

more fax win or appear in, less chance of others being able to tick the boxes.

Correct but no doubt this will change by this time next year if say a certain French side aint in the running for cup still or not top 2 in league!

There's a new criteria to be launched next week by the RFL. It's called the Equatorial Infarction Rule. Basically, there's a one off bonus licence point for whoever in the league is nearest to the equator. It's a bit harsh on those clubs in the North but Doncaster are making noises that they'll pip Toulouse on that score

Would be more funny if it wasn't true! Hear Donny are trying to learn arabic in case the new criteria is based on ability to speak in a different tongue!

Thought the main criteria for next time was a Scottish accent

Geordie accent saying you wouldn't mind a gaff in that Scotland.

I have a sneaky feeling that the only way a team on the Championship will get a SL Licence is if they kick out one or 2 of current teams. Probably due to grounds not being completed

wakefield and salford out then

Celtic should be too, Castleford will be safe.

wakefield are circling the drain. So i reckon there will be one space up for grabs. Though it is a while away.