‘Knights don't need TV cash to be Super’

AMBITIOUS York Knights owner Clint Goodchild has declared: “We're ready for Super League - with or without central funding.”

- EXCLUSIVE BY DAVE CRAVEN

The Championship leaders host Oldham today but, of course, topflight status is no longer decided by promotion and relegation.

And it was announced this week that Super League will rise from 12 to 14 clubs next season, with the top 12 decided by the IMG grading process.

Bizarrely, clubs for the other two places will be recommended by an independent panel - giving the likes of York, Bradford, Toulouse, London and Oldham fresh hope.