I'm with Mr C on that - can't see the need ot split into 3 leagues of 8 part way through a season. The cynic in me thinks it will be so the top 8 get to play against each other again and once you're in you are guaranteed another couple of big home games and play off rugby. The other 4 from the top 12 then play 'lower league' teams and they must envisage these 4 teams keeping their places back in the top 12 for the start of the next season. I can see no other reason for it. Although I hope ourselves or some of our championship rivals can upset that particular applecart.

2 straight forward leagues of 12 is far simpler and would leave a genuine relegation battle in the top 12 as well as the battle for play off spots. This is in addition to who would win the league leaders shield. The Championship 12 then have a genuine all out battle to get in to play with the 'big boys' the following season.

Its not split part way through the season. Its split at the end of a full round of matches ie 23 games each for the two leagues. You then have 8 clubs fighting for 4 sl1 places the following season.

Still don't know what the bottom group of eight will be playing for?

The (Sweet) FA Cup

Bottom 8 fighting to avoid oblivion? Relegation to the third tier?

That's what I would expect, but surely only 1 team would drop out, 2 at the most, perhaps the second one via a playoff.

But who is even going to be in this third tier...need some extra teams fast!

Well seeing there are currently 37 teams in the league, after the reformation that will leave 13 teams in the third tier, 14 if Toulouse are invited into the Championship. I would imagine there will be 2 relegated from the bottom 8 into the third tier.

It is

We will be at home against you in 2015

Seems a few Widnes fans are pooping themselves reading the VT. Its only fans of teams likely to figure in the reduction to 12 and ultimately the bottom end of SL that seem averse to the idea of competitive games for more than half a season

Best thing that could happen to the clubs at the top end of champs.

If we are all honest none are SL clubs so this gives an option of top flight, or at least a number of very competitive games.

Either way positioning will be based on results not opinions so that is a big step back in the right direction