The decision to convert Rugby League's top-flight to a franchise system divided opinion across the sport. However the exploits of Crusaders under Brian Noble has proved the benefits of abolishing promotion/relegation and enjoying added financial security.Seen as the whipping boys when they joined the league two years ago, it appeared to be a step up too soon. A shaky 2009 season ended with the deportation of 6 players for breaching visa regulations before encountering financial problems off the field.
After little success in South Wales, the club was sold and relocated to Wrexham in the north. The move seems to have re-ignited Welsh passions for the lesser-known code of their beautiful game. Crusaders attracted over 20,000 more supporters than their first season including a five figure attendence for the visit of Leeds Rhinos.
On the field, the combined management guile and tactical nous of Brian Noble, Iestyn Harris and Jon Sharp have guided the Welsh club to their first ever play-off campaign having finished rock-bottom of the table the year before, only winning three games along the way. Bringing in the likes of Jarrod Sammut to build around players like experienced former British and Irish Lions captain Gareth Thomas and club skipper Ryan O'Hara has transformed the no-hopers into an attractive, points-scoring, winning team.
Seen by many pundits and fans alike as a minor miracle, Crusaders have managed to break into the top half of Super League following in the wake of Catalan Dragons who were last season's surprise play-off package. In the process they have proved in just two seasons how much franchising levels the playing field. Although the heavyweights of Wigan, St Helens and Leeds still dominate, the gap between top and bottom is narrowing all the time.
Is this an example for mainstream sports like football to follow? There have been rumblings in the past suggesting the creation of a franchised European super league that would displace the incumbent Champions League. With Super League pioneering the idea for European-based sport, could others soon follow suit?
The big lesson that Football can learn from Rugby league is player’s wages. It was interesting that some of Wrexham's Blue Square Players were actually on more money last season than some of Crusaders Super League players. I think that says it all.
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