"The new stadium is moving ahead and this news can only add to the momentum of the project," said Wright. "Plans to strengthen the squad for 2009 are well advanced and we expect to be able to make some announcements very soon."

Wakefield, whose licence was in some doubt because of the uncertainty surrounding their new stadium plans, expressed their delight in a written statement.

"It's testament to the hard work, effort and dedication contributed by everyone both on and off the field and we look forward to strengthening further over the next three years in the elite competition," it read.

Hull Kingston Rovers chairman Neil Hudgell said his club were looking forward to building on the progress they had made in the last few years.

"The licence means that we can continue our efforts to develop our academy and focus on youth and emerging talent," he said. "That will give us the balance we need to challenge for years to come."

Featherstone chief executive Andy Prout said that although Rovers were disappointed to miss out, their experience in submitting an application will prove invaluable in 2011.

"I am confident that our next application will be a compelling business case and one that will be hard to ignore," said Prout.

Halifax failed to win a franchise largely because of the unfinished state of The Shay and the club's chief executive Graham Clay said there were now no excuses for the stadium not being completed.

"But for the stand we could have been celebrating a Super League place so it is absolutely vital that the situation is resolved as soon as possible," he said.