'Relegation should be scrapped this year'

Our 18th Man columnists give their views on relegation, the RFL - and the most potent winger they've seen...
Sonny Bill Williams and Toronto had failed to register a win before Super League was haltedSonny Bill Williams and Toronto had failed to register a win before Super League was halted
Sonny Bill Williams and Toronto had failed to register a win before Super League was halted

If – if – relegation is scrapped, should Super League be expanded or remain at 12 Clubs?

Alex Graham: I hope promotion and relegation is scrapped as the majority of teams in the Championship don’t have the criteria to enhance Super League. We need to build Super League strategically, starting with the initial 12 teams with a review on a two-year basis to allow those clubs who wish to apply for Super League status sufficient time to build a case based on a range of criteria. At that point Super League can decide who to admit (or omit) to ensure business and geographical growth not to mention other key areas such as player production and youth development. As already mentioned, the majority of clubs in the Championship don’t have the credentials to sustain let alone enhance Super League, so more emphasis should be put in developing their competition with finishing top being pinnacle. Those who want Super League status and believe they meet required criteria can apply should they wish to do so.

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Darren Wrudd: Promotion/relegation has shown to me that there is genuinely not enough of a talent pool currently in the UK to support 14 teams of Super League standard. If the system is scrapped once more, then I think it needs time to build, consolidate 12 clubs with a strict acceptance criteria and also have a finite contract so that Championship sides can build long term to compete as and when the opportunity arises. Current Super League status will not guarantee a licence and any club which lies its way into a franchise on a promised new stadium should be expelled immediately unlike last time round. I doubt, however, this will come to pass, as there seems to be a new flavour of intent over the last year which is pushing for international expansion rather than building our domestic standards. It is a shame really, as it is turning many off the game, pushing out traditional British clubs in favour of rich men’s hobbies from Canada and possibly the USA next. No doubt they would want to bring in an unproven Toronto and New York team, then proclaim it a success before a ball was passed. I despair sometimes.

Sean Lawless: I think relegation should be scrapped, particularly in light of the news from France, which is going to add complications to the season at the very least. I would like to see Super League expanded to 14 for next season, but that does add bigger questions about the sustainability of the rest of the Championship etc. At least 14 teams in 2021 would be a way of scrapping the loop fixtures.

Robert Kenyon: If relegation is scrapped, which I don’t think it should, it would be highly unfair on whichever club has put money into getting promoted this year, like say Leigh or Widnes. If you’re going to scrap relegation, you might as well scrap the Grand Final as well, which would be stupid. This would only be a way of ensuring Toronto stay in the top flight, using the pandemic as an excuse, which would be wrong.

Should Super League go back under the RFL’s control?

Alex Graham: It probably should, but it can’t afford to as long the RFL has such weak leadership and poor financial resources. The problem is both Super League and The RFL are both governed by club chairmen spouting different agendas, using voting systems and Robert Elstone and Ralph Rimmer for highly-paid mouthpieces.

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Club owners such as Ian Lenagan, Simon Moran and Eamon McManus invest high amounts of money into the sport, which is only rivalled by Sky, therefore they can’t be blamed for having expectations in which direction the sport heads in... especially if they’re making losses! The RFL is well overdue a total overhaul starting with Nigel Wood’s protégé, Ralph Rimmer. Until that happens I can’t see much changing.

Darren Wrudd: Certainly not. The RFL has a remit to cover all UK rugby league and as such does not put Super League first in its decisions. Astounding really when that is the jewel in the crown of our sport. We need to build the domestic game, invest inwardly to increase crowds and make it more accessible on television for a wider audience. The money generated will make 400K salaries look insignificant, and the sport will benefit hugely from the domestic expansion. The RFL has mis-managed our professional sport for decades and, instead of being world class, has turned us into a minority appeal centred around the M62.

We are, I feel, at a pivotal point in rugby league development, where history will judge whether decisions made over the next three or four years were the saviour or death knell of our beautiful professional game in the UK.

Sean Lawless: It certainly makes sense to get the Super League back under the RFL due to the amount of money being spent, keeping the two systems going. However, I would only suggest that should be done, with an improvement of regulation from the RFL. Ralph Rimmer does not fill me with confidence, so perhaps the Super League clubs keeping an element of influence over their own league may be the compromise needed.

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Robert Kenyon: I want the Super League to have a few years on its own. I wouldn’t trust the RFL to run a raffle so no. I’m glad of the split and I’m keen to see what Elstone does over the next few years. I want the RFL to have as little as possible to do with rugby league as possible, as daft as it may sound. If Elstone can do a good job with the Super League it will either spur the RFL to do better or have a complete change which is needed.

Your team trails by two, with two second on the clock, the winger gets the ball from a standing start, two yards from the line, two yards from the touchline, two defenders in front of him. Who do you back to score?

Alex Graham: It would be Jason Robinson or Martin Offiah. Both would easily run round the two defenders but Robinson had better strength and step to go through them too, and finish! Therefore Billy Whizz.

Darren Wrudd: He’s already done it once this year...Liam Marshall’s try at Huddersfield was a joy to behold. It had vision, skill and speed. From the kick off, collecting the ball near his own line and kicking for himself to chase was a great move and totally unexpected by all, in particular the Huddersfield defence. To race after it, collect it on the bounce and pin his ears back for the corner was brilliant and I would give him the duty again should we need the chance for a last-minute steal.

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Sean Lawless: Which winger to pick – Dom Manfredi to power over? Tommy Makinson would certainly provide the acrobatics, Tom Johnstone seems to be able to do what Makinson can do and more – but I couldn’t possibly not pick a Wigan player. My pick would have to be Liam Marshall at the moment; I am not entirely sure what he would do in that position but the great thing about Marshall is, I don’t think he would either. He plays on instinct and he would someway, find a way through!

Robert Kenyon: Dom Manfredi, he would somehow find it within himself to get that ball over the line, he’s a machine. He wouldn’t give a second thought to what happened to himself or his body in the process either, and he’s stronger than a can of special brew.

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