Super League decides - No joy for Yorkshire clubs

They beat Championship rivals York City Knights, Featherstone Rovers, Bradford Bulls, Toulouse Olympique and London Broncos to earn the right to replace Toronto Wolfpack.

Lord Jonathan Caine, who led the independent panel reviewing submissions from the six clubs, announced the news this lunchtime saying the decision was “unanimous”.

Leigh - elevated to Super League for a third time - will now step up preparations to take their place in the top-flight next season.

Toronto announced in July that they would be unable to fulfil their remaining 2020 fixtures due to financial and visa issues brought on by Covid.

Their bid to gain re-entry for 2021 failed when they lost a vote 8-4 - with one abstention - involving Super League, its remaining clubs and the RFL last month.

That prompted the bid process with all aspiring clubs needing to get their submissions in by November 30.

Leigh have twice played in Super League before, in 2005 and most recently in 2017.

Lord Caine said: “I was determined from the outset that this process should be robust and conducted to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and on the basis of ‘rigorous impartiality’ between each of the applicants.

“I am more than satisfied that this was the case.

“Each application was judged strictly but fairly against the agreed criteria that were circulated to clubs and published in November.

“All of the applications were of high quality and I would like to pay tribute to the clubs for the energy and effort they have put into this exercise in what was of necessity a very short time period.”

Submissions were considered on the following criteria: Enhance the commercial value of the Super League to broadcast and sponsorship partners of Super League Europe; Deliver value to other members of Super League; Be competitive on the field of play; Be sustainable for the 2021 season (and beyond); and as a result of being in Super League, help deliver the broader Goals of the Sport as set out in the RFL Strategy Reset.

Super League Executive Chairman Robert Elstone added: “Six weeks after Super League clubs chose to return to a 12-team format, we are delighted to welcome Leigh Centurions to our 2021 competition.

“The independent panel was impressed by Centurions’ application which scored highly on all published criteria, and it is a credit to everyone at the club that they were able to produce such a comprehensive submission in such a demanding timeframe.

“The club has a number of top-class players with Super League experience, a great stadium and a passionate and committed fan base, all of which will add to the 2021 competition.

“I would like to thank Lord Caine for leading the process.

“It has been robust and well-managed from the outset. The panel was unanimous in what it was looking for from the new club and unanimous in awarding the 12th place to the Centurions.

“The final decision points to both the strength of Leigh Centurions’ bid and the alignment throughout the process between Super League and The RFL.

“The late and unexpected withdrawal of Toronto Wolfpack presented Super League with many challenges, in a uniquely difficult season.

“We have dealt with them expediently, comprehensively and objectively and I am pleased we can now look forward to another exciting Super League in 2021.”