Perhaps a simple name change would help. e.g. League Winners Shield or, better still, League Champions Shield. I think Smith used the word "champions" not "leaders" after the game last Friday.

What’s in a name? LLS is a rubbish name and trophy for the achievement, hence the derogatory hubcap epithet, and I’m not just saying that because it may be Wigan’s this year. Whoever finishes top of the pile should be “Champions” the winners of the grand final should be just that, Grand Final Winners, GFW. The shield is only like some type of Man of the Match award IMO nothing more.

OR:

Teams 2 through to 9 go through the playoffs as it stands. The winner of the playoffs then play the League Champions, the winner of this will then go to the World Club Challenge.

Just another thought ^^

They could have warm up games with the non qualifying 3 teams maybe? Keeps everyone involved then.

They should get the current SL trophy imo and a re-make of the Championship trophy should be used to crown the Champions at Old Trafford. (or vice versa, but they should certainly be the two used)

The team that finishes top should be rewarded more, and the playoffs should be a top 5 system as was. If you finish top after 27 rounds you should be given a nice big trophy (as you are in Oz) and it should be nigh on impossible for you to fail to make the final.

If you finish below 1st then you should have to at least beat them once to win the GF.