Super League set for expansion

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Places in the elite competition are to be awarded by licences from 2009 rather than promotion or relegation and 19 clubs, including the 12 currently in situ, have applied for places.

RFL executive chairman Richard Lewis confirmed the time is now right to make the increase due to improved television and sponsorship revenue, and he told BBC Radio Five Live: "The international game is growing and it is probably as good a time as any for the sport to go to a 14-team Super League competition."

He added: "I believe the sport is on the up and there are so many things that are going well."

"Television income, sponsorship income and crowd figures - so much is going well. I think the sport is ready to make that transition.

The decision to create two extra places will offer greater hope to Salford, Widnes and Celtic Crusaders - the favourites to be offered positions - as well as Leigh, Featherstone, Halifax and Toulouse, of succeeding.

A decision on the final make-up of Super League from 2009-11 - licences are to be reissued every three years - is expected next month, although no date has been confirmed.

Super League last consisted of 14 clubs in 1999 but reverted to 12, its original level, after the demise of Gateshead and Sheffield, who merged with Hull and Huddersfield respectively before being reformed at a lower level.

Lewis is confident the planned changes to Super League will not affect the strength of the game in the National League divisions.

He added: "I know the National League is a very strong competition and that will remain very strong even when Super league goes to 14. I think the sport is ready to make that transition."