Column: Rugby League plays it safe for once - and it's probably the right call
- Chris Stott
- Dec 14, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 17, 2020
Rugby League has often been seen as a maverick sport. Even back to the days of it's creation, there's always been a desire to do things a little differently. And I guess that's been more evident in recent times with the grand expansion plans.
But after the Toronto experiment seemingly went the same way as Paris St Germain and the Celtic (then North Wales) Crusaders, a spot became available in the Super League and we now know that will be filled by the Leigh Centurions.
With this process thrust upon them, the sport again had a chance to be radical if it wanted too. The independent panel created to make the call could easily have looked to build on their french expansion. Catalans have been a success in my eyes. There's a clear market in the South of France, and Toulouse are tapping into it. They may well have been given the vote but for the Covid conundrum.
London, again an "expansion" club who have in the past proved competitive. Questions are always asked about fans base and their nomadic existence, but I have always felt there's major potential.
They also could have looked to expand the heartlands, a moto York City Knights had used to enhance their brand. Again, I feel their bid was strong. They've looked to build from the bottom and do things the right way, and they really do have a big future. Perhaps this bid process came 2 seasons too early.
Featherstone would probably say they had a solid case based on the fact they were the side beaten by the Wolfpack in the Million Pound Game promotion shoot-out. Bradford will point to their history and brand - but I firmly believe in choosing Leigh, they have made the right call.
I will say now that after growing up as a Leigh fan, I was delighted with the news! But trying o keep the diplomatic hat on, if you are truly honest with yourself, you would say they tick plenty boxes.
The Centurions have had recent Super League experience, and have the facilities ready for this level. Yes, they ended up being relegated after one season in both their top flight adventures - but having finished 11th in 2017, under the current (better) system they'd have survived.
When in the second tier, they've consistently made the play-offs and been one of the big hitters. After averaging 6,500 fans in their last top flight season they have fan base which is bigger than several already in the league. Their owner is a man who genuinely cares for the club and is determined to see them succeed.
If Leigh's facilities, squad and fan base was located well outside the M62 corridor, everyone would have welcomed them with open arms. For expansionists, the whole scenario is a kick in the teeth. Some will moan that it's yet another club within a small area - Wigan, St Helens, Warrington and Salford are all within spitting distance.
But surely a competitive club, with ambition and top grade facilities from the heartlands is a better option than a grand expansion plan that's folded within 4 years?
Ultimately, its up to what happens n the pitch to see if Leigh were the right choice. And I for one hope they can compete and prove that sticking to what you know isn't always a bad thing.
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