Status quo probably the safest option in promotion and relegation debate – Peter Smith

Whatever format the restarted season takes, it will almost certainly involve a series of midweek games. Physically it will be all-but impossible for players to feature in every game, therefore coaches will have to use their full squad, including rookies who would probably be out on dual-registration, loan or in the reserves under normal circumstances.

There’s a player-welfare issue involved there, just as there would be if individuals were expected to play three times in eight days on a semi-regular basis. Chucking youngsters in before they are ready carries risks but, on the other hand, as Leeds Rhinos boss Richard Agar has predicted, it could throw up some “pleasant surprises”.

Young players need a chance at some stage – otherwise how will anyone know if they are good enough? – and midweek matches will present that.

It may be the forthcoming opportunity is the making of some academy-age prospects who could become big names in the future.

However, there is a but. Chester made it clear his tactics will have to be amended if relegation is on the cards. In that case, teams will need their best and most experienced players on the field as much as possible.

The team finishing bottom of the elite competition this year is due to drop into the Betfred Championship, but there’s a general expectation among clubs that that won’t happen.

Covid-19 has moved the goalposts and it’s possible new rules will be in operation – for example, an increase in the number of interchanges – when Super League gets back up and running. In the circumstances, it would be unfair to relegate a team, but that doesn’t mean there can’t be promotion. At this stage it is unclear whether the Championship and League One will resume this year or remain on hold until 2021.

Much will depend on if the rest of the season has to be played behind closed doors, though a shortened campaign from August to November is an option.

That will be financially difficult for Super League clubs and almost impossible for those in tiers two and three, who don’t get funding from the Sky television contract.

If promotion is axed for this year there would be little point lower-division teams coming out of hibernation but, with the prospect of a top-flight place up for grabs, they – the leading sides anyway – might decide it’s worth it. Promoting the Championship winners would take Super League to 13 clubs next year.

Ideally, Super League would be a 14-team competition anyway, as a home and away format, plus the Magic Weekend, would provide 26 fixtures without the need for ‘loop’ games, when sides face each other a third time.

Unfortunately, it’s doubtful there’s enough talent to do that. The top Championship sides can certainly compete with teams in the lower half of Super League on a one-off basis, as the likes of Leigh Centurions and Bradford Bulls have proved in Challenge Cup ties this year, but promoted clubs tend to struggle for consistency.

London Broncos were relegated last year after just one season – though with a record points total – and Toronto Wolfpack lost all their six Super League games before the competition was suspended and are two points adrift at the foot of the table.

Retaining the status quo, even if that means the Championship remaining on hold until next year, is probably the safest option. It seems Toronto are already planning for a top-flight campaign in 2021. As The YEP revealed last week, they are keen to bring in Rhinos captain Stevie Ward and have also targeted Sydney Roosters’ ex-Leeds winger Ryan Hall.

They are now being linked with Wigan Warriors prop Ben Flower and Leeds’ half-back/hooker/full-back Richie Myler, so clearly don’t anticipate being in the Championship next season, which is a good indication of how the relegation debate will pan out.

***

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. These are challenging times but the team at the Yorkshire Evening Post need your support more than ever in the weeks ahead.

While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you - wherever possible and providing it is safe for you to do so - to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Inevitably falling advertising revenues will start to have an impact on local newspapers and the way we continue to work during this period of uncertainty. So the support of our readers has never been more important as we try to make sure that we keep you connected with the city you live in during this time. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. We need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Our team of trusted reporters are working incredibly hard behind the scenes- from kitchen tables and spare bedrooms - to look at how we can do this and your continued support to the YEP will help to protect its viability in the days and weeks ahead.

For more details on our subscription offers please visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk/YEP, email [email protected] or call us on 0330 4033004

Thank you, Laura Collins, Editor