After months of build up and nervous tension, the All-Star Rugby League today announced who would stay and who would go in the wake of the ASRL Rationalisation push.

The Sydney Opera House was chosen as the venue for the media frenzy, with hundreds of reports from across Australia, New Zealand, and south-east Asia present to hear about the fates of their clubs and players.

"It is with sorrow that I am forced to announce the list of clubs that will not be participating in the next All-Star Rugby League season. The ASRL board produced an exhaustive list of criteria for clubs to adhere to, and while most made a concerted effort, in the long run cuts were always going to be made- and tough decisions needed to be made for this to happen. As you already know the Port Moresby Power, Port Adelaide Corsairs, and Ipswich Reds had already announced that they would fold at the conclusion of this season. Today we are here to announce the elimination of four more clubs from the All-Star Rugby League"

A hush falls over the expectant crowd.

"Firstly, we will confirm the worst kept secret in rugby league. Due to a lack of support and financial backing, the Wanganui Tuataras will not be competing in next season's ASRL competition"

"There's no easy way to announce the following three eliminations. All three sides have enjoyed recent success in the Division Two competition. Some have made the finals and competed to the best of their ability, whilst the others are in the thick of things this season. It's a tough decision, but ultimately the sides had to justify their financial viability, and it just wasn't convincing enough. We regret to announce that the Colombo Harlequins, Dunedin Vipers, and Shanghai Traders will all fold at season's end, unless suitable mergers or extenuating circumstances can alter our opinion. Whilst losing the only clubs in Sri Lanka and China will be a blow to the ASRL, we must question whether the two nations can bring anything to the sport long-term. Unless circumstances change, the four clubs announced today will not be competing next season. The coaches and management of these clubs have been informed, and they have been given a week to submit business plans, merger proposals, or anything else they believe could sway the thinking of the ASRL board. As it is, we have left three spots open for 'new' clubs to enter the All-Star Rugby League- and these sides are certainly free to apply for a new All-Star Rugby League licence if it comes to that. Thankyou for your time"

Other news also suggests that East Coast and Hawkesbury will be relocating next season. More on this as it comes to hand.