Super 8s now appear likely to be abandoned
SUPER LEAGUE is set to bring back a more straightforward system of promotion and relegation from the end of the 2019 season.
One of the main takeaways from Tuesday’s media conference to introduce the new chief executive of Super League, former Everton FC CEO Robert Elstone, was that the current Super 8s system would be abandoned after the current campaign.
Speaking in his capacity as a director of Super League, St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus explained the reasoning behind the decision.
He said: “The agreed position of Super League is – and we gave ourselves a period of three to four years to review it – we do not think that the Super 8s are producing the right commercial return and that the risk to too large a proportion of Super League from day one in regard to relegation, is too great.
“It also dissuades the investment we’re looking to attain.
“That’s the clear and absolute view of Super League.
“We’ve had a number of very constructive discussions with the RFL in recent months.
“What we now have to do is go through the right contractual machinations to conclude a new structure on an agreed basis between the board of Super League and the RFL to put in place for next year.”
The decision of Super League to appoint its own chief executive has been interpreted by some as part of an attempt to breakaway from the Rugby Football League.
The new man himself does not see it that way and outlined his vision for the top flight of professional rugby league in this country.
Elstone said: “We all want, and we all need, a vibrant, sustainable, competitive and compelling Super League, one that sits at the heart of our communities, one that brings communities together, one that makes fans of our game proud. “The challenge is how we achieve that. “The job starts by establishing a positive working relationship with the RFL that respects Super League’s responsibility to the whole game, and challenges the RFL to provide the highest standards of governance for Super League.
“It quickly looks at replacing a competition format that isn’t working, that’s creating too much uncertainty for clubs and fans.
“Our biggest priority has to be to better fill our stadia.”