TWITTER TALK: Fans react to the prospect of having a team in New York
Ricky Wilby was behind New York's application to join the RFL ranks
It was announced earlier this week that a New York-based team has applied to join the Rugby Football League from 2019 onwards and there has been plenty of discussion on social media.
A consortium of unnamed investors have pledged to invest $10million to build the franchise and become the second Transatlantic sports team behind Canadian outfit Toronto Wolfpack into the professional leagues.
And the team behind the New York team would be prepared to start life in League, like the Wolfpack did in their inaugural season in 2017.
Toronto had average attendances in the region of 7,000 in their first season, with a couple of games attracting over 8,000 spectators.
New York would share the 25,000-seater Red Bull Arena with Major League Soccer giants New York Red Bulls, should their application be accepted by the RFL.
And NRL superstars Sam Burgess and Paul Gallen are just some of the big names that have said that they would be interested in moving over to the Big Apple – if the professional franchise is formed.
Here is how you reacted to the news of a potential New York-based team joining the RFL in 2019:
Concept is solid but it`s build on a zero base. All the hype will be about investors. Egos then? What happens when they get bored? No base
— Andy Lindley (@adlindley) October 17, 2017
I am for it. As long as we keep promotion and relegation.
— andrewfreeman (@andrewfreeman) October 17, 2017
Built on cash and short termism. On the pitch goes wrong rest falls like a pack of cards. Ask Bradford
— TheGallantYouths1895 (@gallantyouths) October 17, 2017
Undecided feel sorry for clubs going down but game needs to expand. how are clubs going to afford travel. Rubbish atmosphere when play them
— Victoria Wilkinson (@Victoriawil88) October 18, 2017
Long term having a 3rd major league can only be good for the game
— craig forster (@forster6063) October 17, 2017
I want a better rl set up in this country, but I just think it's dying a slow death. Give NY a go. Wolfpack doing well so far. Why not??!!
— Stu A (@BolinsBlues) October 17, 2017
Watch the xfl documentary rugby league has no chance in America
— wayne valentine (@wav01) October 17, 2017
It’s a fantastic idea, let’s just hope these new clubs are run the Toronto way, and not the PSG way
— Dave Gorton (@Dave_Gort) October 17, 2017
No surprise that the RL need a huge cash infusion and more recognition. American franchises know how to do that better than anyone.
— ⚫Just Add Sugar ⚪ (@Wasted_Breath) October 16, 2017
So can go to France Canada and USA but south of birmigham, inpossible to get going
— Gore (@fatboyboygore) October 16, 2017
What do you think of the idea of having a team in New York join the RFL? Let us know in the comments below.