Review gives Bramley new grounds for possible return

After a succession of financial problems, which saw them sell their long-term home, McLaren Field, Bramley resigned from the then Northern Ford Premiership in 1999.

Having twice unsuccessfully applied for re-election, they re-formed as a supporter-owned club named Bramley Buffaloes in 2004 and have since prospered in the Rugby League Conference, a summer competition run for amateur clubs.

However, the Rugby Football League is currently in the middle of an overhaul and review of Championship and Championship One with the intention of next month inviting new clubs to enter from 2012.

Bramley, who are based at Stanningley ARLFC and recently took on former Wakefield Trinity and Keighley coach Peter Roe as their new chief, are keen on making a bid to the governing body.

“Our outstanding, over-riding goal has always been to get back into the professional game,” chairman Martyn Cheney told the Yorkshire Post.

“We’ve seen a copy of this review and we are talking to the RFL to see where we can go with it.

“The criterion has really come down. It used to be a 5,000 capacity ground with 500 seats but when you look around Championship One, the total crowds for all games rarely gets near that; London Skolars had 264 in (on Sunday).

“Now, however, they require 200 seats and floodlights which is certainly more achievable for us.

“If we play at Stanningley we will need to build something to that end but it is encouraging news.

“We’ll be looking to put a bid in for 2013 or 2014 rather than next year and that is now the aim.”

Bramley, who attract up to 400 supporters per match, have been Rugby League Conference minor premiers for the last five years, winning the Grand Final twice.

Their finest achievement in more than a century as a professional club was lifting the 1973-74 BBC2 Floodlit Trophy and they are currently viewed as one of the best-run RLC outfits.

Hemel Stags are also believed to be in discussions with the RFL about a switch.

Hull KR centre Jake Webster and Wakefield hooker Julien Rinaldi have been cited with making dangerous contact over the weekend and will appear before an RFL disciplinary committee this evening.

Bradford’s Ian Sibbit received a caution for a similar offence against Wigan and Huddersfield’s Eorl Crabtree was warned for kicking out against Castleford.