Some interesting comments from Roger Draper in LE this week. Sounds like there could be bigger changes coming in 2019 although tweaking not ruled out for next year. Meeting of SL Chief Execs last week to discuss a few things including salary cap, central contracts and attracting union players with clubs seeking certainty by April to allow for adequate planning time. Expansionism still on the agenda with Newcastle and Bristol expressing interest, key concern is 8s attendances. With Wakey giving notice to quit their ground due to SL minimum standards being introduced could franchising be coming back?

I'd heard that going back to 14 clubs, with simple 2 up 2 down relegation, is on the agenda.

I'd imagine this will be concerning Wakefield fans...

If we could get 14 teams with enough quality so that the newbies are not on the end of blow out scores every other week, this would be the ideal scenario.

26 games, abandon the idea of the magic weekend, start the season in March to avoid too many mud fest we have just had to endure, finish with the top 8 playing off in a straight knock out.

Space the CC out with a decent amount of time between the semi finals and the final. This, I feel is one of the reasons Wembley's attendances suffer for the final. If you have just 3 weeks to plan a trip to the final (after your team has won the semi) the travel cost alone can be onerous.

I agree with the majority of this but I think the magic weekebd is very good for promoting the game. I have heard/read very positive things about how well RL has been received in Newcastle therefore I hope the concept continues to be developed

Like you i think magic is a great idea,the problem is its just not fair with promotion & relegation regardless of clubs knowing the rules before the season kicks off.

So for me its either get rid or find a way of evening up the number of games played in a season

Drop the Easter Monday fixture and play game at magic weekend.I know there will be a revenue issue for the "home" club but could be sorted.Better for players and a good weekend away

I actually like the concept of the Magic weekend, however I do think the RFL needs to concentrate more efforts into making their show piece events which are screened on terrestrial TV more of an attraction. Timing and venues of the CC semi finals are a concern and the masses of empty seats at Wembley hardly shout out "premium event".

I like most of this, you've got some good ideas. I would say keep magic though however I don't see why it cant just be one of the 26 rounds instead of an extra one like now.

Also I would say top 6 play-offs as opposed to top 8 cos I don't like the idea of a team from 8th winning the league. 6 team play-offs would be a case of top 2 going to semis and other 4 playing for the other 2 semi spots.

You're right about Wembley. I would have gone last year but I just came back from holiday the week before. If it was a couple of weeks later I would have gone. Cos when you think it is around time when a lot of families are going on holiday.

But as I say, good ideas!

Its a pity this guy wasnt around when the last TV renewal contract was negotiated

Negotiated, I think we just pulled our trousers up and said thank you, like the Stobart deal

He was.

Id support going back to a 14 team league with 2 up 2 down, as the current format is confusing to outsiders and the super8 crowds have hardly set the world alight. We need less gimmics but I wouldent support going back to franchising as promotion and relegation has already boosted the Championship which was dying with no promotion on offer.

The game also needs more terrestrial TV coverage and surely even SKY must realise the game needs a boost. Getting even just a handful of games on the BBC would boost interest. I'd keep the Magic Weekend but maybe make teams forfeit a home game for it (on a rota) instead of it being an extra game.

On the expansion front im in favour of the new 'start from league1' format used with Tolouse and Toronto we've had our fogers burnt too many times before with fast tracking teams in to SL.

Where does the SKY money come from for these extra 2 teams? Do the RFL foot the bill or do the SL clubs have a smaller slice of the cake at a time when they will be able to spend more? Realistically, only leeds, wire and wigan can afford significantly more spend with maybe hudds and salford's owner's footing the bill if they decide to spend more. It just sounds like reverting back to the start of SL when the biggest spenders dominated

How about having 1st round of top 8's at magic ,then it doesn't matter home draw etc and as long as you know your in the 8's you know where your going to be playing but not who until the league positions are finalised

Not a bad idea that, plus it solves the home/away imbalance in the fixtures.