Has there been anything in the press on whether Toulouse or London will remain full time?

It's a tough ask remaining full time when there's no potential SL carrot at the end.
It would make for a better comp too if everyone is structured the same off the field.

The past few seasons have had an air of Wigan in the late 80's and early 90's about it

Last year we finished 3rd but equally we were a loss away from being Halifax and out the play offs. This year it was a little more comfortable but you look back at some of those results and ask what might have been if Toulouse would have travelled to Odsal to play that game. So does it feel like progress, perhaps slight progress but I'd imagine the board will be a little disappointed given the investment in the team.

Recruitment for 2025 looks strong though and should address some of the weaknesses of this year's side.

Great atmosphere in the Southbank today, I think the 2 sin bins did for us. So disappointing after the effort put in. Cracking game though, Be interesting to see what happens if Toulouse win next week.

Also, what a time to lose one of our key players - Tom Holmes. Lehmann tried hard but it was a tough ask to slot in at the last minute and play in that type of game.

London arent fulltime havent been for years

Frustrating result that. We were in front for good spells. Managed to go in front while Gill was binned. Forced them into heaps of mistakes. Then a couple of quickfire tries while Myers was binned ruined it. Appo's late effort came a bit too late. Reminded me a bit of the Fax match where we didn't take advantage of our really good spell before halftime. We need to be more clinical. Shame to lose Fulton - would be interested in seeing that challenge given he went off for an HIA and didn't return. Wonder if that was his last game for us?

In terms of the season we have made progress since last year. We're building a decent squad, that does tend to take a few years. As was said above we were a more comfortable 3rd than last year and therefore the best semi-pro team. We really should've won yesterday so it's a disappointment that it's all over.

Areas to improve next year - discipline, kicking game and being more clinical in taking our chances. Hopefully the incoming halfbacks will help with some of that.

Think it shows how far we have come that we're all incredibly disappointed not to have beaten Toulouse at their place.

We've come a long way since the 9th place finish two seasons a go.

The signings we've already made will improve us even more and should address the issues we've had this season.

Everyone knows Wakefield are going up this year, so this result doesn't matter aside from a day in Wakefield next weekend.

The real target is surely next season. London will have their squad cherry-picked, and I don't see Toulouse being as good next year (how long can Pelisier and Hansen go on?). We've recruited well, and if we can eliminate the tendency to throw games away by one point or fashion draws out of almost certain wins, then I see no reason why we shouldn't aim for the top slot. Then, if we have to play Toulouse, it will be at Odsal and I'd fancy our chances!

Whether can get enough IMG points to displace someone from SL is another matter.

I was more gutted last year, especially given how it panned out with London.

This year the final very likely counts for little so they're going to have to work alot harder to market it in 2025. A good start would be to play the match at a neutral venue like a proper final!! The Shay would be a perfect size and Halifax are unlikely to be involved.

Even whilst they've been in SL?

Is the end of season format remaining the same next year or is it still to be decided?

The champions will be crowned, but remain in the Championship?

[exturlhttps://www.rugby-league.com/article/62548/betfred-championship-and-league-one-restructure,-2024-26[/exturl

To answer my own question....

It would take a miracle, but, how funny would it be if Wakefield won in Saturday but then Toulouse got more IMG points and went up instead?

It would make me smile but it isn't happening. The next couple of years look as if nobody will be getting promoted - there will need to be some movement between SL and championship to keep non-SL clubs and supporters on board with the new IMG way of doing things or too many people will feel cut adrift and leave the sport (many are in that place already).

I think the first step will be an increase of teams into SL.

Maybe I'm putting two and two together, but some of the noises being made this week from Toulouse sounds like it could he SL or nothing. They've reduced the investment in the playing squad since SL, not sure they'd carry on if they're consigned to the championship again.

We seem to be splashing the cash but you have to wonder how long this approach will continue. We need to see an expansion of the comp to get in with the ground being as it is. Not sure how we can improve IMG scores otherwise apart from by finishing top or substantially increasing attendances (difficult in the league we're in).

what a season ... a year of coulda shoulda wouda ... dropped so many points this year, toulouse sums up our season. i very exciting championship all round.

looking forward to next year .. stay safe you guys

For obvious reasons I've really enjoyed the Championship this year. What's really struck me is the quality of the rugby played, so many games this year the biggest difference between our full time Squad and other teams has been our extra level of fitness. The other thing I've noticed is that in general the fans aren't as obnoxious as some of those in SL, and seem to enjoy the rugby rather than just getting drunk.

I think next years Championship will be a cracker, with teams like yourselves, York, Oldham and Doncaster looking to improve. We may be there ourselves yet...if so I'll be disappointed, but not devastated.

All in all, I think the Championship has been superbly competitive this year. I think it will be even better next year.

Why?

Wakefield have done it.

We keep being told Bulls are massive and SL needs them.

Surely you don't have loads of fans who will only watch Bulls if they are in SL?

It's a bit more nuanced than that

Attendances held up for us the first year in the Championship (was it 2015? I forget). Then they gradually started to decline as we stumbled through financial "events", liquidation and assorted constant let-downs

Comparing Wakefield's one year stay in the Champ, when the novelty value alone helps keep things bubbling, with the Bulls after almost a decade in the second tier, isn't really comparing like for like.

How would Wakefield's attendances hold up if you were stuck in this league for a decade, I wonder?

I hope we never have to find out!

At least now Bulls fans can stop the entitled nonsense of "Bulls are a massive club / SL needs us".

Progress seems to being made though.

Don't you worry dboy, we're cutting our cloth accordingly.

Not sure if SL needs Bradford but it certainly needs something because it's definitely not where it was 20 years ago.

Bradford seem to be getting it right, though the "big club" mentality is still a weight on their shoulders.

There's a host of Championship clubs who are competitive, just not perhaps quite consistent enough.

It would have been some season if Mash had taken over at York 6 games earlier, and the under-performance of Batley and Halifax was a shock. Add that to Sheffield's seemingly self-created implosion.

Donny will be a decent threat next year too. Then there's London, Fev and Toulouse(?).

Next year's Championship will ne another cracker - I just hope Wakey aren't in it!

(Though if they are I'll still enjoy every minute).