IN the coming days, the identity of Super League's 12th club for 2021 is set to be revealed.

The independent panel charged with deciding who should replace Toronto Wolfpack for next season is due to confirm its decision on December 16.

Leigh Centurions, Bradford Bulls, Featherstone Rovers, Toulouse Olympique, York City Knights and London Broncos are in contention having formally submitted their applications last month.

With the panel – led by Conservative peer Lord Jonathan Caine – making the final decision, clubs will not vote on this issue as they did when Toronto's application to rejoin Super League was rejected.

"It’s going to be a difficult one – I’m glad I’m not on that panel," Warrington Wolves chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick said.

"There’s some really strong applicants within those clubs and all would add value in one way or another.

"If you look at York – there’s rugby league heritage, a brand new stadium, a big population and it’s a tourist hotspot. They have a lot of things going for them.

"With Toulouse and having two French teams in the competition, it could create more interest from a French broadcaster, plus they’ve been doing well in the Championship.

"Closer to home, Derek Beaumont has been doing a great job at Leigh with the squad he’s assembling there.

"Looking at Bradford, not too long ago they were world champions. They have a significant, dormant supporter base and a significant community game as well.

"Having a presence in the capital with London Broncos brings good value, too.

"They were good value in Super League last year and have a good young coach in Danny Ward."

The Wolfpack won promotion to the top flight for 2020 but lost their first seven games before the Covid-19 pandemic halted the season.

On the eve of the restart, they pulled out of the competition citing financial difficulties but applied to be readmitted for 2021.

However, only three clubs – St Helens, Leeds Rhinos and Catalans Dragons plus the RFL – voted in favour of the submission presented by prospective new owner Carlo LiVolsi.

Warrington abstained from the vote – the only club to do so – and Fitzpatrick explained why.

"From our point of view, there was a conflict," he said.

"We didn’t want to be the executioners of Toronto, but we couldn’t support what was presented either.

"We were certainly open to it – I think there absolutely is potential in North America – but we couldn’t put our name to what was put in front of us."

Toronto's withdrawal meant Super League was left to complete the season with 11 teams, with matches being held behind closed doors.

The Halliwell Jones Stadium was among the venues to host rounds of fixtures in a Covid-secure environment.

As more and more games were forced to be cancelled, however, the competition made several structural changes.

First, it was decided the final league placings would be done on win percentage as opposed to points gained and latterly, the regular season was brought to a premature end and the play-offs changed from a four-team format to include six teams.

"The clubs, Super League, the RFL – the planning and organisation that went into each game was incredible," Fitzpatrick said.

"The council provided tremendous support – we would not have been equipped to hold behind closed doors games without the help of Warrington Borough Council. They have been phenomenal throughout.

"To get to the end of the season is tremendous. I think how the game was adaptable was impressive.

"With the Covid cases coming thick and fast, we had to adapt from a top-four to a top-six play-off.

"Obviously it didn’t work out for us as we crashed out, but looking at the bigger picture, it was the right thing to do."