SOUTH WALES will play in the British Rugby League First Division next season, rather than in Super League to which they had provisionally been admitted. The club's "fast tracking" into Super League was always dependent on the club meeting certain stipulations, primarily concerning finance and playing strength.
But Maurice Lindsay, the game's chief executive, felt that while the state of the club generally was pretty good there was a "little hit missing" on each of the, requirements. The blow of losing a Super League place has been softened by a financial sweetener.
South Wales have been guaranteed £250,000 and their income from their first season could he almost as much as £1 million if they were to win the title. Although the recruitment of quality players might not he easy, Lindsay says that with the money they have, already got "and the underpinning from us, they could hem capable of winning the First Division".
South Wales' demotion means that the Super League will remain at 12 clubs with the same number in the first division and 19 in the second. It also means that the Super League clubs will get a bigger share of the cake next season - £11.4 million - hut all clubs came, away from yesterday's meeting in Leeds satisfied with their allocation: £4.725 million to the first division and £1.110 million to the second.
Meanwhile, Apollo Perelini, the St Helens and Western Samoan prop, was yesterday named the inaugural Player of the Year by the Rugby League Writers Association. The 27 year old Perelini who has been included in the New Zealand squad for the forthcoming Test matches with Britain, won the award ahead of his St Helens colleague, Bobbie Goulding and Keiron Cunningham.
St Helens have confirmed their interest in Iestyn Harris, the Warrington and Wales full hack or stand off, who is on the transfer list at £1,350,000. Harris, who is also a target for Sheffield Eagles, says he would jump at the chance to joint Saints. They are a top side and I hope they and, Warrington can sort out a deal says Harris, who added that he would like his future settled he fore he departs with the Britain tourists a week on Friday.
