By Ian Laybourn, Press Association Sport
Published: 19:46 BST, 11 April 2019 | Updated: 19:48 BST, 11 April 2019
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Clubs have given their backing in principle for both New York and Ottawa to enter Betfred League 1 in 2020.
The two North American consortia overcame the first hurdle after addressing the Rugby Football League clubs at a meeting in Salford where, in an indicative vote, they received a comfortable majority.
A two-man New York delegation comprising founder Ricky Wilby and New Zealander Tony Feasey made an hour-long presentation to Championship and League 1 clubs at the AJ Bell Stadium.
Clubs have given their backing in principle for New York and Ottawa to enter League 1 in 2020
They were followed by Toronto founder Eric Perez, who outlined his ambitious plan to re-locate current League 1 club Hemel to Ottawa, accompanied by former Hemel coach Dean Thomas and a representative of one of 15 owners.
Both consortia say they need an answer by the end of April if they are to enter League 1 in time for the 2020 season.
The final decision rests with the RFL board, who say they will take into account the feedback from clubs at Thursday's meeting, at which representatives of Warrington, Salford, Catalans Dragons, Hull KR and Leeds attended on behalf of Super League as observers.
RFL non-executive director Simon Johnson, who chaired the meeting, said: 'It was a good meeting and, at the end of it, I called
