The season is yet to start for the third division competition so I go into this without a depth of knowledge for the teams nor a sighter of a couple of matches how they are likely to perform. Eleven sides will be playing in League 1. So here's a summary of a possible outcome for 2022. There are a couple of promotional spots up for grabs but no relegation.
Cellar dwellers: It's hard to look past West Wales for being bottom of the league. They don't seem an organised outfit. London Skolars have been raided by the London Broncos and their chances of being competitive have accordingly diminished. The Coventry Bears are now the Midlands Hurricanes and they have moved to Birmingham but are unlikely to reach for the sky this season.
Finally, the new Cornwall RLFC has joined and has recruited quite well. However, being a totally new team it will take time to form a cohesive unit so this year is about getting established. Their ground is pictured above.
Midtable: Rochdale (2nd full season in League 1), Hunslet (six full seasons) and Doncaster (also six) look likely to be competitive but not heading for promotion.
Promotion candidates: Keighley (7th full season in this league) are a chance. North Wales (also 7th full season here) would love to kick on from 2022. They are now settled in Colwyn Bay with a lovely location and a supportive council. I do wonder if they are quite ready for the Championship?
That leaves the two new sides relegated from the Championship Oldham and Swinton. Both must fancy their chances of returning to the Championship but it doesn't always wotrk out that way.
Summary: No one team seems to have a massive advantage so its all to play for with regard to promotion. Of course, some sides are simply not up to that standard but they will give their best regardless. I'm especially interested in how Cornwall will go. They are taking the game to a new level in that area so hopefully the locals get behind them.
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