Super League's 14-team expansion plan raises some serious questions

If there is one thing Super League does better than anyone, it is change. Not necessarily for the better, and rarely with consensus, but change nonetheless.

- by James O'Brien

The league's structure has been tweaked, trimmed and turned inside out in search of the mythical 'perfect model'.

The latest twist? A 14-team top flight, chosen by a mix of spreadsheets and a panel which includes members of Nigel Wood's strategic review committee. What could possibly go wrong?

Remarkably, that same method has been deemed unsuitable for selecting the final two sides, who will instead be handpicked based on criteria yet to be finalised.

Cynics have been quick to point out that Bradford Bulls might have a golden ticket after an 11-year exile from Super League.

After all, when Wood's strategic review committee has a seat at the table, the lines between 'independent' and 'insider' start to blur.