Two tiers bring in Golden Point
CHAMPIONSHIP AND LEAGUE ONE ADOPT SUDDEN DEATH RULE
FIXTURES between clubs in the Betfred Championship and League 1 will be settled by a version of Golden Point extra time next season.
The sudden death method of settling the result was adopted by the Super League ahead of the 2019 campaign and first utilised when a dropgoal from Marc Sneyd secured victory for Hull FC over Wigan at the DW Stadium.
Sides in the bottom two tiers initially resisted the change, but it has now been introduced – although there will be a key difference when compared to Super League and the NRL, which has used Golden Point for several years.
In both previous examples, the two competition points were awarded to the first team to score in the extra time period, with one point each awarded if there is no score across the two additional five-minute periods.
However, in the event of a draw after 80 minutes in the Championship and League 1, a point will be awarded to each side and a further point on offer in Golden Point.
Our first chance to see this new variant of extra time in action will be when Leigh Centurions kick off the Championship season with a trip to Dewsbury Rams on January 31.
Championship newcomers Oldham welcome Widnes Vikings to Bower Fold for their opening fixture of the season, while Swinton Lions will travel to Whitehaven.
The League 1 season kicks off two weeks later and Rochdale will take on Coventry Bears on their return to the third tier.
Like Super League, teams in the Championship and League 1 will no longer play fixtures on both Good Friday and Easter Monday, however there is an additional Wednesday evening fixture in its place.
Meanwhile, forward Adam Lawton has left Salford to join Newcastle Thunder. The 26-year-old prop, who made four appearances for the Red Devils after signing last season from West Bank Bears, also spent time on loan at Swinton Lions and Rochdale Hornets.
SONNY Bill Williams will play in the 2020 Coral Challenge Cup after Toronto’s re-admission was confirmed. The Canadian club withdrew last season after being told to pay a bond. A change of heart came too late but Rugby Football League chief executive Ralph Rimmer has confirmed the Wolfpack will take part in 2020 and, because of the logistical issues involved in arranging games in Canada at short notice, will play all their games away from home. Toronto will enter the Cup at the fifth round stage along with Huddersfield, Wakefield and Hull KR who all finished in the bottom four of the Super League last season.
Salford and the rest of the top flight will enter in the sixth round.