The top team of the Championship hasn't been automatically promoted for two decades. Not sure why it's suddenly a problem now - the imagined scenario described was literally every year of the system we've just had except a top 4 and not 5. I don't think there were too many crying off when we had a crack at the Million Pound Game despite Leigh finishing top. See also Torronto this year who will be in no worse position if they top the table in 2019.

If everyone knows the rules before it kicks off (a rarity in this sport, I know!) then everyone has the same opportunity. I understand the argument, but "farcical" is a bit OTT to my mind when you consider the complete absurdity the second tier teams have had to overcome since franchising came in.

As I read it, the SL teams didn't like so many teams "being in jeopardy" even if they finished out of the bottom spot. They don't seem to mind that you can finish mid-table yet still be "champions".

But, they have got their wish. Teams in the mid zone that won't make the playoffs but can't be relegated will have a second half of the season that is just a slow death. But crowd interest will be redoubled by being able to play the same teams several times a season. If a couple of those are in the same zone, then some meaningless repeat dead rubbers should really have both crowds and broadcasters buzzing.

Quote ="paulwalker71"No, history shows it has been at a neutral venue https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Championship_Grand_Final It's been a grounds such as Warrington, Widnes and Headingley. Some pretty decent crowds too. If its done right, it could be a massive occasion - imagine us playing Widnes for a place in SL at Headingley with 20K there? That's not a pipe dream - see the crowds in that link above.'" You do realise there were 3 games that day? Castleford - Widnes Featherstone R - Oldham Bramely - Featherstone L

Quote ="paulwalker71"No, history shows it has been at a neutral venue https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Championship_Grand_Final It's been a grounds such as Warrington, Widnes and Headingley. Some pretty decent crowds too. If its done right, it could be a massive occasion - imagine us playing Widnes for a place in SL at Headingley with 20K there? That's not a pipe dream - see the crowds in that link above.'" You do realise there were 3 games that day? Castleford - Widnes Featherstone R - Oldham Bramely - Featherstone L

I didn't, but if that's what it takes to fill Headingley, then I'm all for it. There will be a League 1 promotional playoff next season as well, I believe. So having a 'finals day' and getting a big crowd seems like a great idea to me.

It will all change after Christmas and a few beers, or when SL come up with a different plan to keep more money.

I'm not expecting silverware but, for services to tourism, I don't see a mechanism by which we're not guaranteed [url=https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/awards-tributes/tributes/key-to-the-city/a little gold[/url.