Super League looks to axe clubs in franchise shake-up

At the launch of the new season in London yesterday, RFL chief executive Nigel Wood announced Engage Mutual Assurance have extended their competition sponsorship until the end of 2011 and talked excitedly about 2010 being the year "of the younger player" as the likes of emerging stars Kyle Eastmond, Ryan Hall, Sam Tomkins and others all prepare to light up the stage.

But attention also turned to the process of who will earn three-year licences when they are re-issued next year ready for the start of 2012 and Wood did not deny there could be fewer clubs in action.

The number of Super League clubs increased by two to 14 when the first licences were awarded for the start of last season.

It was widely thought that would remain for the next three-year cycle or possibly even increase to 15 with the RFL having already confirmed one club will be promoted from the Championship.

However, it is understood the majority of Super League coaches would prefer a return to 12 feeling the quality of the competition has diminished.

When asked whether the number would remain the same from 2012 or possibly reduce, especially given the economic downturn, Wood admitted it remained open for debate.

The Sky television deal also expires at the end of next year and he said: "These are significant decisions which would not be made without detailed dialogue with all of the game's stakeholders.

"The important thing is 2010 is the year by which we begin to shape the competition for the 2012 television contract whether it's the look of the competition in number of clubs, or length of the season, or where the high spots are.

"All of these issues will begin to be worked through during the course of 2010 after consulting all the game's stakeholders. Everything is up for discussion."

The crisis-hit Crusaders and Salford City Reds – promoted last time around – are the obvious clubs who will fear the worst but Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and Castleford Tigers will also be fretting about the 12 months ahead as they have already been warned by the RFL for the need to improve their stadia.

Halifax, Barrow and Widnes are the Championship clubs who can currently apply for a licence although the 2010 Championship Grand Finalists and Northern Rail Cup winners will also be in position to put their cases forward.

The one new arrival should be announced next spring although any ousted from the upper echelon will not be revealed until later in 2011.

Wood added: "We are close to finalising the criteria that will determine which clubs will be awarded a Super League licence from the 2012 season onwards and 2010 represents a hugely important period for all clubs.

"Some have got their act together already and some will probably want all that time to make as compelling a case as they can."

Crusaders, after their disastrous debut campaign as Celtic on and off the field, open their season against Leeds Rhinos at Wrexham on Friday night.

Meanwhile, Huddersfield coach Nathan Brown insists the club's preparations for the new season have not been affected by the rape allegations involving six players.

Six members of the Giants squad have been arrested and bailed until March 18 after a 22-year-old woman made the allegation during the club's training camp in Newcastle.

But Brown said: "As a group the positive thing is that everyone has stuck together which is the key and the club are supporting the players until someone suggests otherwise."