LEIGH Centurions will finally know which division they will be in next season.

But everything is pointing to the Hilton Park club being part of a combined first and second divisions below Super League.

The radical proposals will go before the Rugby League Council at their meeting in Salford next Wednesday.

Clubs have already decided to recommend a return to two divisions.

In addition it's likely that relegation from Super League will be scrapped for the 1998 season.

Club representatives are being asked by the Rugby Football League's board of directors to give the 12 Super League outfits the opportunity to consolidate their places in the top flight in readiness for the advent of franchising in 1999.

The directors want to avoid a repeat of the fate that befell Workington and Oldham, who both suffered dire financial consequences following their relegation from Super League over the last two seasons.

"The idea is for the present Super League clubs to be able to plan ahead and work without the fear of relegation at the end of the season," said RFL media manager Peter Rowe.

"It should enable them to put a sound financial base in place before franchising operations come in in 1999 and make them more attractive to potential investors."

All present and potential Super League clubs are being invited to submit franchise applications by May for the start of the 1999 season.

The move would not necessarily rule out promotion to the top flight, although clubs would have to satisfy more stringent criteria on aspects of stadium seating and capacity and junior development.

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