Early calls have gone out for the RFL to declare their plans for League One next season.
There is much apprehension around the game, particularly at the lower end, as to what the RFL’s new partners IMG are planning in their restructuring of the game.
Dewsbury Rams and Workington Town are being relegated from the Championship, to be replaced by Keighley Cougars and one from Swinton Lions, North Wales Crusaders, Doncaster, Rochdale Hornets and Oldham.
Some good old rugby league clubs will be contesting League One next season and there are growing fears that some might not have a professional future after that.
Today the Dewsbury chairman Mark Sawyer has called for the RFL to make an early statement on any reconstruction which is taking place to affect the three top tiers.
There has been increasing speculation that from 2024 there will be two top divisions of ten teams in each, but no real mention of what happens to the current League One.
Sawyer, chairman for 20 years at Dewsbury, the last 13 of which have been spent in the second tier, says: “The uncertainty of it all is causing problems.
“We presume there will be promotion from League One next season and it will certainly be a massive hit if there isn’t.
“We really need to know from the powers-that-be so that we can plan accordingly.”
Town, sadly, are making a rapid return to League One after the euphoria of last year’s promotional play-off win.
Sorting their current financial difficulties is the first task and then putting together a competitive squad to try and get back-up is the next – if promotion is still on the cards.
Town complete their Championship programme on Sunday at York City Knights following yesterday’s final home game against Whitehaven which was watched by 1,427 fans.
Already there are suggestions that coach Chris Thorman is on his way out of Derwent Park and his name has been linked to a return to his native north-east with Newcastle Thunder.
Thorman was appointed Town coach in May 2019 and in April last year signed a new deal that would keep him at Derwent Park until the end of the 2024 season.
Meanwhile Town’s stand-out forward Conor Fitzsimmons is being linked with the Championship side York City Knights.
But it is the silly season as far as speculation on player’s futures is concerned.
Over at Whitehaven their Australian forward Ryan King, a stand-out performer again this season, has been heavily linked with a move to Halifax while Newcastle Thunder are reported to be interested in Kiwi half-back Nikau Williams.
Barrow Raiders have already announced they are losing centre Hakim Milousi who is moving back to France while speculation mounts over the 2023 playing plans for ace half-back Jarrod Sammut and winger Tee Ritson, the top try scorer in the Championship with 26 touchdowns.
Player speculation is one thing, but the most serious matter affecting rugby league is what IMG come-up with in their blueprint for future – and is there a future for League One?
