A controversial report into the future of West Cumbria’s two main rugby league clubs has received mixed reviews from fans.

The Rapley Report, which was commissioned and supported by rugby league’s govering body, the RFL, as well as Whitehaven and Workington Town, was published this week.

The report – compiled by consultant and Olympic swimmer Alan Rapley – recognises that changes need to be made in West Cumbria which will require the two Championship clubs to work collaboratively in a single system.

It says that doing nothing poses the greatest risk to the game in the area, which could lead to financial instability, no growth in attendance and no immediate prospect of promotion to a higher quality game.

It suggests three primary routes for the future of rugby league, each with their own benefits and risks:

the formation of a ‘super club’ above the regional academy

Whitehaven and Workington remaining as separate clubs

the formation of a ‘super club’ as well as keeping the Whitehaven and Workington clubs.

Fans on the Workington Town rugby league forum had mixed reactions to the report. Some believe it states the obvious and offers no firm conclusions, while others praise it for its level of depth and anaylsis.

One fan said: “Frankly, it’s a complete and utter waste of money – it does nothing but state the bleeding obvious, tells us nothing we didn’t already know and, worst of all, makes absolutely no recommendations at all as to what should happen.”

Another said: “I’ve read it right through and I think it’s a rather good, in-depth report. Yes it doesn’t offer solutions but all the data collected gives the clubs the information and areas in which to strengthen and improve.”

The report offers no firm conclusions on the best way forward for the two clubs but aims to bring key stakeholders together to discuss the issues.

However, the report does state: “An intervention is required to future proof the game of rugby league in West Cumbria, to regenerate interest amongst the younger generation and to develop a holistic rugby league network in the area.”

Meanwhile, Town will be aiming to make it five wins in a row on Sunday when they travel to face Hunslet Hawks (3pm ko) in the second match of the Super 8s.