Quote: amberavenger "The top team of the Championship hasn't been automatically promoted for two decades. Not sure why it's suddenly a problem now - the imagined scenario described was literally every year of the system we've just had except a top 4 and not 5. I don't think there were too many crying off when we had a crack at the Million Pound Game despite Leigh finishing top. See also Torronto this year who will be in no worse position if they top the table in 2019.
If everyone knows the rules before it kicks off (a rarity in this sport, I know!) then everyone has the same opportunity. I understand the argument, but "farcical" is a bit OTT to my mind when you consider the complete absurdity the second tier teams have had to overcome since franchising came in.'"
Didn't the Champ and Champ1 clubs suggest a solution where it was straight up/down for the top/bottom clubs, and then the 2-5 placed clubs in the Champ play a knockout to play a one-off Million pound game with the SL 2nd from bottom team?
That would keep the excitement of the MPG and keep competition alive, while keeping a promotion/relegation AND leaving things to play for too.
Of course the SL clubs poo-poohed it. And brought in repeat fixures instead; as that's MUCH more thrilling.