Grounds for concern as famous Yorkshire clubs fight for licence

Not the thousands of pounds dedicated to getting Castleford and Wakefield into a position where they each steadfastly believe they can develop expensive purpose-built stadiums in time for 2012, nor the deep concern that one of the two traditional clubs will eventually suffer a catastrophic demotion next year.

But what seems to have been forgotten as the increasingly topical debate about who should win the 14 Super League licences for 2012-14 rages on, is the RFL's original statement about the purpose of the licence system itself.

When the first batch were awarded in 2008 in preparation for the following three years service, the governing body claimed the process was a central factor in ensuring Super League reaches its aim of being the best elite rugby league competition in the world.

That's all very virtuous but how can they then announce that at least one Championship club will be awarded one of the sacred licences in March 2011 for the 2012-14 seasons, a full month before the current holders actually lodge their own applications?

Before they have even begun sifting through the rest, the RFL have said this will happen. And one of the current holders will lose their place. How does that sit with ensuring the competition heads towards this coveted global elite?

Widnes, widely tipped to be the ones elevated ahead of Halifax, Featherstone and Leigh, could well add plenty to Super League and may indeed tick sufficient criteria boxes but the RFL can be in no position – either now or next March – to say it is by any way superior to what Wakefield, Castleford or the rest may yet offer.

Critics will say the current licence holders have had three years to get their house in order, whether it be to sort their stadium, improve finances, develop their junior ranks or improve commercial enterprise, but the RFL is in danger of its old weakness – changing for the sake of change.

When it comes down to the assessing, Widnes could well be deserving of that spot but surely they, and all the Championship applicants, should be evaluated alongside those in there now and the best 14 be rewarded rather than this staged process which risks the "elite" ideal being compromised.

However, in reality, the cogs are already irretrievably in motion and a big club is going to suffer when a decision is announced next July. Those neighbouring rivals Castleford and Wakefield have emerged as favourites to fall and, with their credentials so similar in many respects, each sees the fulfilment of a new stadium as potentially a deciding factor.

Castleford want to move in at Glasshoughton off Junction 32 of the M62 next to the Xscape leisure outlet, and hope to have their detailed planning permission granted in October to enable them to start building the 13,300-capacity stadium in the Spring – but are still seeking additional funds.

Conversely, Wakefield have already been accepted as anchor tenants of the 12,000-capacity Wakefield & District Community Trust stadium at the Newmarket site off Junction 30 but have not yet applied for outline planning permission with opposition expected due to it being partly planned on green belt land.

Wakefield Council, which incorporates both potential sites and has offered to each club assets to the value of 2m, has, given the current economic climate, tried but failed to get the two to consider sharing one facility. It may be sheer stubbornness or lack of foresight on both sides while it is easy to understand why Castleford fans would not wish to watch their club in Wakefield and vice versa even if it is just a short distance extra and both clubs would mutually benefit from sharing.

They have been attacked for their naivete in not taking up this option but, in reality, even if they combined it would be no guarantee either stadium would get off the ground. Likewise, it would not safeguard either of them from still being ousted from the pack for 2012-14.

A lot of people, especially Wakefield followers who have witnessed many failed attempts at moving out of their tired Belle Vue home, believe neither will materialise but those at the heart of the matter are convinced they can go it alone and deliver.

If it was not so late in the day, they would probably admit the obvious solution would have been to meet halfway – Junction 31 near Normanton – and set up house but that chance has now passed.

But why are Castleford and Wakefield suddenly the perceived fall-guys? Even if Castleford did stay in their atmospheric but aging Wheldon Road ground, how different would their licence be to Hull KR's – with their basic Craven Park – who appear to be safe?

Likewise, Bradford Bulls who, having failed to reach the play-offs for two years running and, having shown no tangible signs of re-developing their own dated Odsal stadium, must also have concerns, but neither they or the club from East Yorkshire appears to be under threat.

The RFL's desire to "broaden beyond its traditional heartlands" seems to point towards Harlequins, Crusaders and Catalans all continuing despite the financial problems and lack of support that has affected the first two of that trio.

Salford, added alongside Welsh club Crusaders in the first round of licences three years ago, would appear to be another under threat, but their Manchester presence is likely to see them remain, so it is a shoot-out between the West Yorkshire rivals.

If Wakefield or Castleford do slide, without a sugar daddy to rely upon, they would find it tough to return which makes it all the more important that a fair selective process take place.

Currently, they could argue there isn't one.