League needs London

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In his regular column for BBC Sport Online, Wigan's Denis Betts explains why he wants a Super League team to stay in London.

It has been a struggle for God knows how long to keep a team in London and ensure that it stays competitive.

But I think that if the game is to keep growing we need a team down there.

To no longer have rugby league in London would be a loss and does not look good for Super League Europe.

Peters is one of London's few home-grown players

After all, Paris has folded, Gateshead merged with Hull and if London goes as well there will be no teams outside the so-called M62 corridor.

But it's a very complex issue and we have to be realistic - which means the funding has to be looked at.

Financially it has always been a struggle and for years it seems the game has been throwing money down a big pit.

In the past I think we have tried to establish teams outside of the game's heartland when perhaps they were not ready for it.

Teams have been established more on the premise that they are prepared to have a go than a solid infrastructure and sensible five-year business plan.

Downscale

If London cannot get the right financial backing or find a sponsor large enough to make the franchise viable maybe it is time to downscale.

The small crowds and problems with grounds have not helped and London have always struggled to develop home-grown talent.

Lets face it, a league club in London trying to lure young, talented athletes to the game is competing in a very congested marketplace.

However, Dominic Peters has recently come through the ranks and hopefully others will follow.

And on the field the Broncos currently have a very strong team who have pushed hard for a top six spot.

On a personal note I've always enjoyed playing in London and Wigan have a good record down there.

Although the crowds are notoriously small the Wigan fans always travel down in number and enjoy a good day out.

Wigan are already guaranteed a top five finish and after beating Bradford last weekend we're feeling pretty confident.

We are in good form, feeling fit and healthy and everyone has been given a shot in the arm by Kris Radlinski committing his future to the club.

Kris' new deal is not just good for the club but for the town of Wigan and the game in general.

Radlinski's decision to stay in League is brilliant news

From what I've been hearing it's his loyalty that has kept him in league.

He could have earned more money and boosted his profile by changing codes but Kris has stayed loyal and it takes a big man to do that.

Kris is the best full-back, league or union, in the country and he has decided that there are enough challenges left for him in league, which is a real boost.

If you saw Kris' performance against Bradford last weekend you will also realise what a weight off his mind it is to have finally sorted out his future.

He has been playing OK but someone of Kris' ability should be playing great every game, breaking three of four tackles, making key tackles and scoring tries - as he was against the Bulls.