As my dad used to say, "You know what thought did - followed a 5h1t cart and thought it was a wedding!"
Anyway, ignoring fevfan76's totally inane contribution. I think that the new structure could be of more benefit to the Wakefield district clubs than to other areas. The chances are that, initially, Trinity, Cas and Rovers will be in the same leagues be it the top 12 or the middle 8. The potential for some needle derby matches with lots to play for and big attendances is huge. Could be more beneficial financially than playing the likes of Catalans, Salford, London etc.

Anyone want to talk about the 'm' word?

If it was announced 12 team SL with P&r they would be no fuss most people would be happy with a stable structure to the game as long as they stuck to it. Instead looking at the reaction on twitter they give us an option most people in RL are against from players to fans

as opposed to us who have stood still and done nothing

Yep and you have really moved forward since the day you got promoted haven't you. Sorted yourselves out fine.

Your making superb progress.

Oh that old chestnut. At least with the end of licensing you can put your artists pencils away

whatever makes you happy

Has someone woken the flat clappers up? Goodness me, you'd think they've had a 3,000 crowd!

Plus Championship clubs unanimously in favour. They count too you know

If Wildcats do end up in SL2 they'll have just as much chance as anyone else of getting promoted. What's the fuss? For the sport as a whole I think it's a great system which will deliver high intensity games for all clubs throughout the season, something that licensing failed miserably to produce. And it isn't a complicated system at all - 23 regular season rounds followed by a round Robin play off tournament to determine your fate. At least the teams at the bottom of SL will now have to keep playing full tilt instead of just seeing the season out. If Crusaders hadn't gone belly up a few years ago would opinions have still been the same?.....probably not.

In a 'the op must have be psychic with a thread title like that' kind of way... I still think it's a good system and the best fit for our sport. Charlie & I are happy

Franchising can only work if you have more clubs meeting the minimum requirements than there are places in the league (we have about 5 who can break even as professional clubs). The idea that somehow that system can promote growth and expansion has been proven to be a fallacy. There are no Bristol millionaires itching to buy an RL franchise.

Automatic P & R = boom and bust, failed before, will fail again, same story, not enough money in the game.

Some say it's too complicated/convoluted, but it's no more so than the current play-off system.

Some say there will be meaningless games, again, no more than the current set up where often your play-off hopes are ended half way through a 27 game season. And even if you make 7th/8th, it's usually just one extra game. The top clubs know they can make the 8 playing at half pace. A shorter first part of the season will reduce this a little.

The problem of playing championship rugby for half the season not being attractive is exaggerated to the extreme. The 8's are only a third of the season and only 2 clubs from the current championship will be taking part. (assuming Bradford and London (& us?) make it that far).

If you think games with Fev and Fax against Wakey, Cas, Bradford, London, Widnes and, say, HKR won't be competitive when there's something real to play for, then prepare to lose. Factor in a cashed-up Toulouse and you've got a decent mini comp.

No system is perfect and can produce cup final rugby every round, but at least there's a sporting angle to playing in the top flight and hope for the lower placed or new clubs.

It is unlikely that anything will change at first in the top 12, particularly with the extra 4th/5th play-off giving any top 12 club a second bite of the cherry, but at least the opportunity is there. If you're not good enough to be in the top 12 after playing your peers, then so be it. You can always try again the next year.

It makes no sense and it wont until the day the media takes it serious but by then there will be a new rule like play extra time until the refs mum calls him in for tea.

SUPER MY ASS

Can someone clarify whether or not the points a team from 9 downwards gains through the 23 rounds go back to 0 when the spilt happens? If so it's a disgrace and worse than the current system. If not it's still a disgrace and a worse system than the current one.