Interesting article on the Sporting Life site today:
http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague ... olumn.html
These bits in particular:
Even clubs already established in Super League must submit applications for a licence to operate in 2009 and the hopes of those outside the top flight could hinge on whether the Rugby Football League (RFL) decide to increase the number of teams from 12 to 14.
The crucial decisions will be made by the RFL, in conjunction with the 12 current Super League clubs, who are only likely to vote for an extra two members if additional revenue can be extracted from a television company.
The current deal with Sky runs out at the end of 2008 but tender documents will go out shortly to prospective bidders, with Setanta expected to show an interest having already secured the rights to Australian matches.
Clubs have been told that licence applications will only be accepted from existing clubs in National League One.
Presumably the last means no "new" franchises (unless Celtic Crusaders get promoted), so it's going to be between the same old faces.
