The Rugby Football League are anticipating 18 applications for Super League licences when a franchise system is introduced next year.

The league has shed more light on their proposals to move to a 14-club division based on three-yearly licences in 2009 but without completely abandoning promotion and relegation.

Nigel Wood, the RFL's newly-appointed chief executive, revealed that Super League will be opened up in four years' time to the most successful National League club and that no limit would be imposed on the number of teams in the top flight.

Clubs have until the end of January to submit their applications for a Super League licence and Wood confirmed that Celtic Crusaders, who were promoted from National League Two in September, and French club Toulouse are among the bidders.

Salford, this year's relegated club, and Widnes, who are set to be given the go-ahead to compete next year under new ownership, are certain to be among the applicants from the National League.

A decision on the make-up of Super League in 2009 will be made next June or July and an expansion from 12 clubs is dependent on the league being able to secure a significant increase in television revenue.

The current deal with Sky runs out in 12 months and, although he was tight-lipped on negotiations, RFL executive chairman Richard Lewis admitted: "I think we will deliver 14 clubs."

There will be no promotion and relegation in 2008 but a National League team will be guaranteed a Super League licence for 2012, which would either be at the expense of a relegated team or as a result of further expansion.

To be in contention for promotion, a club must have contested at least one National League Grand Final in the previous three-year period, which in theory could produce six candidates, who would then be assessed in accordance with the normal criteria set out for Super League membership.

Three grades of membership are proposed for existing Super League clubs based on facilities, finance, player development, competitiveness and attendances and the ones placed in the bottom tier will be in danger of relegation.

Assessments will be completed by next spring and the gradings will be made public.

The league are confident of winning over the critics, who claim that the temporary suspension of promotion and relegation will result in more meaningless matches.

Officials admit much work needs to be done to change the mindset of a rugby league audience accustomed to the cut and thrust of relegation but argue that the change needs to be made for the good of the game.

Awarding three-year licences, they argue, will enable clubs to make long-term plans and encourage the development of local players at the expense of short-term overseas signings.

There are also plans to increase prize money for the National League champions to provide a further incentive for clubs outside the elite.