Rugby league officials insist they remain committed to expansion despite an amazing about-turn on Super League franchise bids.

An original five-strong application was whittled naturally down to a short-list of three following the withdrawal of Glasgow and Northampton and it disappeared altogether earlier this week after financial experts cast serious doubt over the business plans of the remaining contenders.

Cardiff and Swansea immediately signalled their intention to wait 12 months while Gateshead grasped an olive branch handed out by League officials by hurriedly re-examining their finances and coming up with a revised application.

Gateshead were still not able to fully convince a meeting of Super League club delegates in Huddersfield yesterday but did enough to earn an extra four days to get their house in order.

Officials of Super League Europe (SLE) are expected to convene a Press conference on Monday to deliver a final verdict on the North-East application.

"I'm optimistic about Gateshead," said SLE chairman Chris Caisley, pictured. "Providing we are satisfied over the points that need clarification, I can't see any obstacles."

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