The goal of every team in the Championship and League One is to join the likes of Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, St Helens and the rest of Super League.
The route to Super League is already changed with a focus now on the off field elements as well as on field success to secure a place in Super League under IMG’s new grading criteria.
But the route could be about to change more so with League One in jeopardy after Newcastle Thunder withdrew from the competition like London Broncos.
This led to League One clubs pushing for a new structure demanding a two conference system combining League One with the Championship and splitting it East and West.
With a crisis brewing, a meeting was held to consider the situation including this restructure.
But other alternatives have been reportedly offered such as adding top Reserves teams like Leeds, Wigan and Warrington to League One to pad out the competition.
However, throwing a spanner in the works is the fact Newcastle have themselves provided some hope that they could still return to the league.
They have promised a meeting of their own with the following statement:
“Firstly, we would like to thank everyone for the messages we’ve received over the last week. Your support means a lot to all of us as we work through what has naturally been a very challenging time.
“We’re now exploring ways to keep our club alive for the 2024 season and establish a solid foundation from which we can rebuild. We remain committed to trying to make the start line for the 2024 season.
“To our supporters who want to find out about how we can all help the club survive – we’d like to invite you to attend a commitment meeting in the 1877 bar at Kingston Park Stadium on Tuesday 24th Oct at 18:00.
“It’s going to take a big effort from everyone but with the support of our great fans and sponsors we believe we can help turn Newcastle Thunder into a sustainable club and retain a pathway for the talented players within the region to flourish.”
