Quote ="Kevs Head"I think the Middle 8s is a good concept but it is badly skewed against the Championship teams. Apart from the full time / part time issue there's also the fact that Slugger pointed out - SL teams play three other SL sides whilst the Ch teams each have to play four. Whilst that puts all the Ch teams on a level playing field it definitely gives the SL teams an advantage over them. I don't like the MPG - it's virtually impossible for a Ch team to win and it celebrates absolute mediocrity for a winning SL team. I'd get rid of it and just have the lowest placed SL team at the end of the Qualifiers relegated, the highest placed Ch team promoted irrespective of relative positions. Last year we would have gone down and Bradford would have been promoted but, let's face it, we deserved to go down. Get rid of the MPG - it's a farce.'"
We know the RFL won't change their minds once they have set on a course
but the system is in desperate need of tweaking. I'm sure plenty will say the problem with the Top 8's is that Trinity are there but it was essentially the same problem last year.
If we must keep the system, why not make the entire season worthwhile. split as now but middle 8's retain all points scored against fellow middle 8 clubs then they play 8 games against the Championship teams, home and away, to give a true league with top four going up.
Top 8's keep their points but top 4 play each other twice, 6 games against fellow teams. Likewise 5-8 with 4th & 5th teams of full league playing off for 4th playoff spot.
This surely has to be better than the dog's breakfast we have now.
but the system is in desperate need of tweaking. I'm sure plenty will say the problem with the Top 8's is that Trinity are there but it was essentially the same problem last year.
