Quote: Nankivell "One further point. That game of which I m not fond, but which is eminently more successful than ours, doesn't constantly tamper with its competition structure. It has straight forward promotion and relegation, while whoever is top of the league at the end of the season, having thereby demonstrated consistent success, as opposed to success in a limited timeframe through a limited number of matches, are champions.
No complicated leagues, no complicated play off system, no stupid "club call".
Straight forward, simple, and everybody within and outside the game understands it.
And to me, the idea of splitting two leagues into three, part way through the season, is absolute madness,and may be enough to drive the final nail into the coffin of English Rugby League.'"
Could not agree more. This would also stop teams devaluing the competiton by just doing enough each year (i.e Leeds). The play-offs furthermore, whilst exciting on their own, do not help generate sufficient interest during the season. I think the split is a case of some SL clubs protecting themselves from relegation as over a seven game format you would expect they would emerge as the top four for entrance into Super League the following season.
My personal opinion on structure is that there just be straightforward promotion and relegation. However, promotion, as in non league football, could be determined on a club meeting a certain criteria regarding their ground and finances to ensure some sustainabilty. This would however still give teams a chance to dream and get promoted through the leagues. At present some clubs will never have the chance and the licencing system does not help that. A businessman is not going to pump money into a club without some guarantee of a return (i.e super league status). At present, someone could invest but be denied access on the whim of men in suits for three years. This reduces the possibilty of maintaining impetus and retaining players. Why continue when you could get knocked back again three years later? If there was promotion criteria although there would be chance of a knock back it is only for 12 months and with clear criteria clubs woud all be on a level playing field and know what they have to do.
Super League has killed the game in some respects. It saddens me to see a club like Oldham struggling on when it is not too long ago they would fill the North Stand at the Willows.
There are other factors to consider. The season for me needs to start and finish later. We are supposed to be a summer game but half the season is played in the worst weather. The weather is better in September/ October/ November than in February and March. Also look at Salford's fixtures this season. June / July August and September and only four home games which effectively have to sustain the club until next season. No wonder clubs have cashflow problems. I would go for a shorter close season too. Also, a later start would avoid the clash with the start of the Five Nations.
The coverage of the game needs to be looked at. It hardly gets a mention on national news and even Northern papers give limited coverage. Sky have pumped money into the game but have taken it out of the mainstream. A similiar effect has been had on Cricket as some clubs have pointed out). There needs to be Terrestial TV coverage. Why not shared coverage as happens in the FA Cup for example.
There is need for more competitions. Under the proposed format the talk is of 23 games , then seven games , then play offs. Instead why not two divisions of 12 with extra games coming from an extra cup competiton and the playoffs being replaced by the old Premiership. I see no reason why there canot be a competiton like the Lancs and Yorks Cups held pre-season which would generate interest and avoid clubs playing pointless pre season games.
