Quote: pie.warrior "It does matter this year.............
The RFL is increasing the central funding to Championship clubs to enable them to compete with the teams from the Super League but Aston says the odds are stacked against the part-timers.
It is thought the top two clubs in this year's Championship will receive £500,000 and £450,000 respectively, with the pay-out dropping to £200,000 for the third and fourth-placed sides, £175,000 for fifth and sixth and £150,000 for the rest.
The clubs are currently on around £90,000 but will be worse off than the two relegated clubs, who will receive £780,000 "parachute payments",'"
I think he meant that the Grand Final is irrelevant this season in reference to Sheffield winning back to back ones without finishing top of the tree hence their starting the season slowly and finishing it great act. This season consistency is rewarded irrelevant of how the playoffs turn out.