EXTRACT FROM NWEM:-

"CUMBRIA needs a Super League team if rugby league in the county is not to stagnate and die.

That is the stark message from players, coaches and directors ahead of another season with three lower league clubs representing the county.

And the only way for that to happen could be a merger of all three sides — Barrow, Whitehaven and Workington.

Haven narrowly missed out on a place in the top flight themselves this year, but the general feeling among the RL community in Cumbria is either a merged side or a new franchise side is needed for the county to get in the top flight.

Former Barrow coach Peter Roe is an advocate of the combined club.

He said: “I think it’s vital to have a Super League side in order to keep rugby league alive in the Cumbrian area.

“The authorities are always talking about expansionism, we’re expanding through allowing a French team in, we’ve allowed one in before and it didn’t work.

“It’s vital for the rugby league to prove that they are intent on spreading the gospel and to be consistent with that they have got to actively push a Cumbrian club to win a franchise. I think it has to be a combined club.

“So a few laid back Cumbrian backsides will need kicking and a real business plan will need putting into

position and a very pro-active board will need to be put in place."

MY RESPONSE:-

Don't worry it won't happen!
The RFL and general outsiders haven't got a clue.
Cumbria is the largest county (area wise) in England and the distances between large towns is considerable and difficult as the A595 is truly one of the worst roads in England also.
Most of 'us'are Lancastrians -my birth certificate states Barrow -in-Furness,Lancashire - not Cumbria.
Workington and Whitehaven will probably never merge eventhough they are only12 miles apart,but if they were offered an opportunity of a Super League franchise,then who knows?Dave Bawden seems to be up for it!

We will never merge,as I believe we are big enough to go it alone.
With a catchment area of 100,000+ and the nearest RL club -Blackpool,we have the audience,we just need the product!
The product will take time to develop and will have to be marketed agressively and intelligently,but we have the potential to be successful.
We need the full support of the local council,our MP the newly appointed David Blunkett successor-John Hutton,local big business and the community -working together to achieve the goal.
We need professionalism and excellence in everything we do,we are not there yet-far from it ,but things are changing for the better.
We could be a Super League club 5/10/15 years who knows?,if Workington can do it and Whitehaven almost do it ,we definitely can do it,otherwise why do we get involved?.
Instead of always looking for a back door into Super league,why dont we-the fans lobby the RFL to give us a fairer share of the spoils -£25,000 v £850,000 ,it is a joke and a disgrace,but who's complaining?Certainly not those currently in Super League!.
Stay positive,even when it is difficult to do so.
It is not a fantasy,our time will come but it will be bloody hard work.
Barrow in Super League is the focus,don't waste time and effort in pursuing the Cumbria dream,it is a nightmare waiting to happen.

WHAT DO THE MARRA'S THINK?