Andrew Chalmers: Pure fear and self-interest dominated voting process

I explained, as I’ve recited in subsequent media interviews, that what you witnessed was pure fear and self-interest dominating the voting process.

On the one hand the Super League clubs start applying pressure on each other to ensure as far as possible 10 of the 11 clubs – with the exception of the biggest club Leeds Rhinos – voted to support their own enrichment.

Without boring you all, the threats and promises were flying in all directions as the greedy position themselves for what they hope is safety from relegation and ultimately their ticket to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory for misbehaviours.

This was supported by nine Championship and League One clubs also voting to support the rotten and doomed RFL/Super League proposal.

Club chairmen who fibbed to the Advisory Group and then rolled up to the ballot box, safe in anonymity, hoped the truth would never be known as to which way they voted against what they had previously committed.

Some clubs cashed their only chips in for short-term financial gain, while ignoring the ultimate impending doom and their own demise in the future.

You never really know how individuals and groups will behave when the pressure is applied, but what I must record is my deepest thanks to the Advisory Group members for giving up countless hours to work through the issues and make sense of all the scant details provided.

Everyone, including me, says it's time to move on from this issue, but the ramifications of this vote will be felt for years to come by the wider game.

Unfortunately, some Super League clubs don’t appear to care about anything other than their own egos, and turnstile receipts.

The silver lining of course is the pathway to Super League is now based on a foot race where the Grand Final winner in the Championship in 2019 wins automatic promotion to the Super League top table.

Any hopes of having that opportunity must first be parked while we deal with our desperate need to beat some tough opposition.

Our Ultimate 8s campaign draws to a close with Hemel on Sunday at 3pm at Odsal Stadium. Hemel will provide a good contest as they look to close out a difficult year.

Some fantastic homegrown talented players will be on display for the Bulls this weekend as Rowan Milne, Mathew Storton and Oliver Wilson look set to take to the field – a great achievement with more talented players set to roll off the Academy production line. Hats off to John Bastian, Leigh Beattie, Mark Dunning and also Robin Sharp.

Across the county, York City Knights have an extremely tough game against their bogey team Whitehaven.

York have lost twice to Whitehaven – 26-18 in May this year, and also previously going down 21-20 in last year's promotion play-off.

Whitehaven have everything to play for, not just staying alive in the play-off race, but the survival of their club and identity.

The Bulls supporters helped with some generous fund-raising initiatives when Whitehaven stumbled financially mid-season. Hopefully Whitehaven can come good and collect the chocolates on Sunday.

We have been considering what the play-off contest would look like assuming we can overcome Hemel, and that York are able to overpower the Carl Forster-led Whitehaven.

Oldham looms as the likely immediate opposition for the Bulls at Odsal Stadium on Sunday, September 30 in what would be the first promotion play-off semi-final, while Doncaster and Workington are likely to meet in the other semi-final, likely to be played at Doncaster.

As fans, players and coaches alike know, in semi-final football you can throw the form guide out the window.

It's scary stuff as York learned last year, going down in golden-point extra-time to Whitehaven. Players do crazy stuff driven by hope, fear and desperation.

And that’s simply trying to get on the team bus to get to the game. After that anything is on the cards. Perhaps that’s the true meaning behind why players idolise Mad Monday celebrations.

Meanwhile, as the Middle 8s enters the final two rounds, all eyes will be glued towards the battle for who the Million Pound Game lucky contestants might be.

Let's face it, every man and his dog will be glued to the screen as they watch the contests unfold with some exciting games to predict.

I think the London Broncos will have the edge over Salford on the 4G in London, especially as Hastings serves out his second week of suspension. It's been a great effort by Ian Watson and his coaching staff, against the back drop of all the off-field financial issues threatening to undo all the good deeds.

Toulouse host Hull KR in the La Ville Rose. I think Rovers have been vulnerable at times, but despite all the flair and talent on display with Toulouse, they simply failed to close out the Wolfpack last week – despite having three chances to clearly win the game.

That ruthless streak exists in Tim Sheens, and I can see Rovers edging past them in a close contest.

Toronto get to inflict more Wolfpack wounds on the vulnerable Widnes Vikings. Widnes have scrapped and survived despite an extended losing run, but I can’t see the Wolfpack cutting them any slack in front of their parochial following.

Likewise with Halifax hosting Leeds Rhinos on Sunday afternoon. Halifax will give a great account of themselves, but you have to think Leeds' class and salary spend will make the difference ultimately.

Leeds supremo Gary Hetherington will undoubtedly look to refocus and build a new Leeds dynasty with league legend and director of rugby Kevin Sinfield, and new coach David Furner waiting in the wings.

Firm favourites for the Million Pound Game are Toronto and London Broncos, but that’s the thing about our great sport, anything can happen, regardless of form, class and bare-faced promises.

Of course next year the promotion action will be in the Championship play-offs. Fingers-crossed we are in amongst it.