THE WINNERS

Celtic Crusaders:

: The club's Brewery Field ground is limited and old-fashioned and, although they are committed to enhancing current facilities, they recognise a need to develop a new ground.

:: The Crusaders have demonstrated financial stability during their time in the National Leagues and have established good relationships with commercial partners.

:: There is supportive independent market research for Super League in South Wales.

Salford City Reds:

:: The Willows ground is limited and old-fashioned but the club have advanced plans for a new £35million stadium and are already on site.

:: The club have a long history of financial stability under long-serving chairman John Wilkinson and commercial and marketing plans are well developed.

THE LOSERS

Featherstone Rovers

:: Post Office Road is of a good standard for National League but would need further investment for Super League.

:: Stable finances and good community programme but club faces competition for support from neighbouring Super League clubs and needs further investment in playing strength.

Halifax

:: Restrained by incomplete nature of their ground and player development structures need more investment.

Leigh Centurions

:: Excellent facility provided by new stadium, which would provide a basis for a future Super League bid, but recruitment needed to deliver commercial plan and the club would need more investment in youth production.

Toulouse Olympique

:: Market research shows some support for Super League but there is concern over a limited supply of quality players.

:: Has strong business links but the club would have to work hard to meet financial projections.

Widnes Vikings

:: The Stobart Stadium is well appointed but it is only eight months since the club were in administration and the club would need further investment on the playing front.

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