Halifax accept RFL decision

[josie andrews]

Halifax have "no reason to believe" they were unfairly omitted from Super League and are now concentrating on their 2014 application.

The club were initially furious when their bid to join the competition in 2012 was turned down a fortnight ago, depsite the Crusadersdropping out of the running.

Chairman Michael Steele voiced his anger about the fact that Wakefield and not his club had been given the nod by the Rugby Football League.

But Halifax have since held meetings with the RFL about why their bid was not successful and director Tony Abbott is confident the decision was made fairly, and is now concentrating on winning a licence in 2014.

Formal feedback

He said: "We received formal feedback on our licence application from the RFL on Tuesday of last week and are continuing to hold positive dialogue with the governing body.

"We have absolutely no reason to believe that that assessment was anything other than fair and objective."

"The findings of that assessment are already being addressed to ensure that the RFL is aware of the readiness of the club to step up if one of the current licence holders fails to fulfil its licence terms.

"At worst this will help us strengthen our bid for a Super League licence in the next round of licensing in three years' time to put Halifax RLFC where it, and its supporters, deserve to be - in Super League."

Members of the club's independent supporters trust are planning to protest against the decision during tonight's televised game with Widnes but Abbott has called on those involved to rethink their decision.

He added: "I can understand the fans' frustration at us missing out on a Super League licence but their decision to stage this protest is unhelpful at this stage.

"Even though some supporters may not like it, the fact is that the licensing was introduced in 2008 with the overwhelming support of clubs and that is the system with which we have to work.

"The directors of Halifax RLFC accept that the RFL followed the specified process in assessing our application and that we have been treated fairly and equitably."

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,12196_7092991,00.html

[gpartin]

I wonder how much pressure the RFL put on Halifax to make this statement? I don't believe a word of it.

[jobo]

It's a bit of a strange one this. Would love to have a look at Wakeys business plan compared to faxes. By the way, did anyone watch Widnes v Fax last night?? Bob Beswick was outstanding, as was Crosby and Mellor for Widnes. Overall it was a cracking game.

[Mike]

So much anger from Fax, then this. And no release of any details of the completely above board reasons why they didn't get in. Hmm.

Any bets on Halifax getting in next time regardless of the quality of their application? I would imagine the chances are aroudn 100%

[ancientnloyal]

Halifax are obviously angry at the decision. Just a normal spin way of telling the RFL that they accept and to remind them this in 3 years time (or earlier) so they get the nod next.

"oh yeh, we love you RFL" *whilst sticking pins into a model of Red Hall*