HATED EIGHTS AXED
THE controversial Super 8s system in rugby league will be ditched at the end of this season.
The format – which puts the bottom four Super League teams in jeopardy – will be replaced by straight promotion and relegation.
The move is part of Super League’s new control of the sport, headed by former Everton chief executive Robert Elstone (left). But St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus insists the revamp is needed to keep the entire game alive.
He said: “We have got to get our act together, first to exist and then to thrive.
“We cannot let things continue otherwise results will be terminal. The elite competition has to be more successful – if not we wither on the vine.”
The Super 8s were introduced four years ago to leave the fate of clubs in the balance for longer in the season to generate more interest.
But sponsors backed off because too many clubs risk relegation every year while fans also don’t like the system.
Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan said: “We are not breaking away from the RFL – they remain the governing body. What we are doing is taking responsibility for the commercial activities of Super League to give the top tier the focus it should have.”