We are now in Super League xix and I want to ask the question what has actually changed. Super League was launched as a new start, rugby league was rebranded and given a whole new look, clubs given new names and we were told entertainment to match the NFL in America and all the glitz and razzamatazz. Salary caps were introduced to give the illusion that all clubs were on an equal footing, a level playing field giving all Super League teams an equal chance to grab glory. Lately licensing was introduced to ensure all clubs meet a minimum requirement set out by the RFL to ensure more competitiveness on the field and parity off it, coupled with a sound financial business model but what is the reality.

 

Bradford Bulls started the phenomenon pre game entertainment; players having theme tunes, cheerleaders, packed terraces, families, sweeping all before them with high profile players Grand Finals, World Club Challenges, Challenge cups but what now?

 

With the exception of Hull FC’s challenge cup win at Cardiff, Hull FC’s grand final the following year, Huddersfield, last year’s League leaders shield winners it is still the same teams fighting it out year on year out great for their fans but what about every other supporter deprived of success and silverware and seemingly unable to compete on this level playing field.

 

Salary caps were introduced supposedly to make for more even contests? Why then have we still got cricket scores week in week out, a SL team without a solitary win all season at the time of writing? Club deducted points for breach of cap and yet some not even spending their allotted cap or unable to find the players to spend their money on.

 

Licensing was brought in to ensure all the SL clubs are and remain solvent have decent grounds and support base? The reality is anything but Crusaders failed in Wales in administration and since relegated, Wakefield in administration, Bradford twice in administration and deducted points costing them their SL status. London not having a ground to call their own, crowds of less than 1000 on occasions.

 

We now have the re-introduction of relegation and promotion are we going to find clubs going all out to reach the dizzy heights of Super League in a boom or bust scenario to reach the promised land. So nineteen years after the introduction of Super League has anything really changed or are we kidding ourselves or being blinded by the powers that be that the flowerbed is rosy.