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| Junior Player | 75 | Wigan Warriors |
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It's just ridiculous that we are constantly changing the top tier of the sport. I guarantee that in 4 or 5 years we'll have another structure or process in place, probably in the form of a buyout from the NRL if this doesn't work. It's very tiring as a fan.
Yes loop fixtures are rubbish, but if the fixture planning wasn't so stupid, it wouldn't be so problematic. Most teams end up playing the same team two or three times before they've played another once.
These changes are always very reactionary to the TV deal renewing. The problem since 2019 has been no serious competition to Sky bidding for SL in the UK and our obsession with free-to-air, not how many teams are in the league or the performance of social media. Now the sports streaming market has completely changed in the last couple of years and is extremely competitive due to Netflix, Amazon and a couple of others spending huge amounts.
We need to do a much better job tendering the product to every service possible to create another bidding war. That's the only thing that will drive the financial state of the sport. The other thing is advertising but right now we are so far away from any attractive brand sponsorships that it's not worth wasting time on.
Stop bothering about the sport being on free-to-air and just make as much money as possible in the next deal. Netflix and Amazon already have 15-17m subscribers in the UK, probably 1.5-2x what Sky have. Just get The RFL and at least 12 clubs into a strong place financially, improve our grass roots, the marketing of SL and the professionalism of everything.
Oh and stop caring about the league and all teams being equal - literally no other sport cares about it. Every single league in the world has 2 or 3 teams that lose every week, it's just part of it.
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| Academy Player | 287 | Wigan Warriors |
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| Nov 2023 | 2 years | |
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| Jul 2025 | Feb 2025 | LINK |
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| Kings of Rugby:Wigan6/Leeds1 Andy:
NRL Europe can't come soon enough. Looks like it will have to be a breakaway rather than takeover now.
Wigan, Wire, the two Hull clubs, London, Catalans and Toulouse nailed on and the likes of Saints, Leeds etc will no doubt realise where they need to be.
I thought about London, but does Gary Hetherington not own them now? If so, he won't side with Wigan. That being said - it wouldn't either be hard or matter if the NRL just started London club from scratch. i'm sure there was an Ozzie consortium looking to buy London, and have Hetherington as CEO (or other senior role), which if it did happen, will work for a breakaway, especially if it is Ozzie money being put into the club | | | |
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| International Star | 22594 | Leigh Centurions |
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| Aug 2011 | 14 years | |
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| New Signing | 66 | Wigan Warriors |
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| May 2025 | 0 years | |
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| Jul 2025 | Jan 1970 | LINK |
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For anyone who, like me, shudders at the thought of listening to that gimp talk - I asked ChatGPT to do a summary: -- Expansion to a 14-Team Super League (from 2026) The shift from a 12-team to a 14-team Super League was unanimously approved by the clubs in 2024. The primary reason: the current structure relies on loop fixtures to fill out the season (teams playing some opponents three times), which compromises competitive integrity and causes fan confusion. A 14-team league allows for a cleaner, more logical structure: each team plays the others home and away (26 rounds), aligning the competition with standard league models in other sports. Derek Beaumont supports the expansion as overdue and essential. He believes loop fixtures diminish both broadcast value and spectator engagement, and that a properly structured competition is vital to attract investment and long-term growth. The expansion is also framed as part of a wider IMG-led transformation of the sport’s commercial and governance framework. 2. Team Selection: IMG Grading + Independent Panel IMG’s grading system will be used to select the first 12 Super League teams. This model is data-driven and ranks clubs on: - On-field performance
- Financial sustainability
- Facilities and infrastructure
- Fanbase and market reach
- Community engagement
Clubs are scored out of 20 points. This approach removes the reliance on promotion/relegation based solely on results and instead emphasises long-term stability. For the remaining two Super League places (to reach 14), there will be an application process, managed by an independent panel chaired by Lord Jonathan Caine. Importantly, this panel has the authority to reject all applicants if none meet the required standard. Beaumont stressed that this process will not be political or biased. He specifically reassured listeners that Nigel Wood, a figure associated with prior RFL controversies, has no role or influence. The intention is to find two clubs that are not only competitive on the field but also commercially and structurally robust enough to sustain Super League status. 3. New Play-off Format: Top 8, NRL Model The expansion to 14 clubs comes with an expanded play-off series involving the top eight teams (up from six). The structure mirrors the NRL Finals Series, designed to balance reward for finishing higher with excitement for fans: Week 1: 1st vs 4th and 2nd vs 3rd (Qualifying Finals) – winners go straight to Week 3; losers get a second chance. 5th vs 8th and 6th vs 7th (Elimination Finals) – losers are out; winners advance to Week 2. Week 2: Losers from 1v4 and 2v3 face the winners from the elimination games. Week 3: Semi-finals: winners go to Grand Final. Week 4: Grand Final. Beaumont sees this format as superior to the old top-6 model. It offers more clubs the chance to be involved in meaningful end-of-season games, keeps fanbases engaged longer, and increases the value of the broadcast package with more knockout content. 4. Magic Weekend Replacement: Nines or Alternative Event Beaumont confirmed the Magic Weekend will likely be discontinued. With a 26-game season and no loop fixtures, there is no room to include an additional round. His proposal: a Rugby League Nines Festival to replace it. Key characteristics: Could be held in international markets (e.g. France, North America, Middle East) Includes Super League clubs, possibly women's teams, and even guest teams (e.g. from Australia or Pacific nations) Focuses on speed, skill, entertainment value, and marketability — targeting a younger or more casual audience Could be linked with a music festival or city-wide fan zone experience Alternatively, he suggests packaging the Challenge Cup quarter-finals into a single event weekend. This could be held at a neutral venue, creating a celebratory festival feel around a key domestic competition. 5. Wider Vision: Modernising the Sport Beaumont sees all these changes as part of a deliberate shift away from the traditional but stagnant Super League model towards a commercially viable, forward-looking sport. He acknowledges resistance from some quarters of the fanbase who are wary of change or see these moves as gimmicky. However, he argues that the league must evolve structurally and commercially or risk further decline — particularly in terms of attracting new sponsors, media deals, and fans. The introduction of clear grading, independent governance panels, and internationally focused showcase events reflects a move to professionalise the sport’s presentation and strategy. --- |
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For anyone who, like me, shudders at the thought of listening to that gimp talk - I asked ChatGPT to do a summary: -- Expansion to a 14-Team Super League (from 2026) The shift from a 12-team to a 14-team Super League was unanimously approved by the clubs in 2024. The primary reason: the current structure relies on loop fixtures to fill out the season (teams playing some opponents three times), which compromises competitive integrity and causes fan confusion. A 14-team league allows for a cleaner, more logical structure: each team plays the others home and away (26 rounds), aligning the competition with standard league models in other sports. Derek Beaumont supports the expansion as overdue and essential. He believes loop fixtures diminish both broadcast value and spectator engagement, and that a properly structured competition is vital to attract investment and long-term growth. The expansion is also framed as part of a wider IMG-led transformation of the sport’s commercial and governance framework. 2. Team Selection: IMG Grading + Independent Panel IMG’s grading system will be used to select the first 12 Super League teams. This model is data-driven and ranks clubs on: - On-field performance
- Financial sustainability
- Facilities and infrastructure
- Fanbase and market reach
- Community engagement
Clubs are scored out of 20 points. This approach removes the reliance on promotion/relegation based solely on results and instead emphasises long-term stability. For the remaining two Super League places (to reach 14), there will be an application process, managed by an independent panel chaired by Lord Jonathan Caine. Importantly, this panel has the authority to reject all applicants if none meet the required standard. Beaumont stressed that this process will not be political or biased. He specifically reassured listeners that Nigel Wood, a figure associated with prior RFL controversies, has no role or influence. The intention is to find two clubs that are not only competitive on the field but also commercially and structurally robust enough to sustain Super League status. 3. New Play-off Format: Top 8, NRL Model The expansion to 14 clubs comes with an expanded play-off series involving the top eight teams (up from six). The structure mirrors the NRL Finals Series, designed to balance reward for finishing higher with excitement for fans: Week 1: 1st vs 4th and 2nd vs 3rd (Qualifying Finals) – winners go straight to Week 3; losers get a second chance. 5th vs 8th and 6th vs 7th (Elimination Finals) – losers are out; winners advance to Week 2. Week 2: Losers from 1v4 and 2v3 face the winners from the elimination games. Week 3: Semi-finals: winners go to Grand Final. Week 4: Grand Final. Beaumont sees this format as superior to the old top-6 model. It offers more clubs the chance to be involved in meaningful end-of-season games, keeps fanbases engaged longer, and increases the value of the broadcast package with more knockout content. 4. Magic Weekend Replacement: Nines or Alternative Event Beaumont confirmed the Magic Weekend will likely be discontinued. With a 26-game season and no loop fixtures, there is no room to include an additional round. His proposal: a Rugby League Nines Festival to replace it. Key characteristics: Could be held in international markets (e.g. France, North America, Middle East) Includes Super League clubs, possibly women's teams, and even guest teams (e.g. from Australia or Pacific nations) Focuses on speed, skill, entertainment value, and marketability — targeting a younger or more casual audience Could be linked with a music festival or city-wide fan zone experience Alternatively, he suggests packaging the Challenge Cup quarter-finals into a single event weekend. This could be held at a neutral venue, creating a celebratory festival feel around a key domestic competition. 5. Wider Vision: Modernising the Sport Beaumont sees all these changes as part of a deliberate shift away from the traditional but stagnant Super League model towards a commercially viable, forward-looking sport. He acknowledges resistance from some quarters of the fanbase who are wary of change or see these moves as gimmicky. However, he argues that the league must evolve structurally and commercially or risk further decline — particularly in terms of attracting new sponsors, media deals, and fans. The introduction of clear grading, independent governance panels, and internationally focused showcase events reflects a move to professionalise the sport’s presentation and strategy. --- | |
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| Rank | Posts | Team |
| International Star | 22594 | Leigh Centurions |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Aug 2011 | 14 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Jul 2025 | Feb 2025 | LINK |
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Kings of Rugby:For anyone who, like me, shudders at the thought of listening to that gimp talk - I asked ChatGPT to do a summary: -- Expansion to a 14-Team Super League (from 2026) The shift from a 12-team to a 14-team Super League was unanimously approved by the clubs in 2024. The primary reason: the current structure relies on loop fixtures to fill out the season (teams playing some opponents three times), which compromises competitive integrity and causes fan confusion. A 14-team league allows for a cleaner, more logical structure: each team plays the others home and away (26 rounds), aligning the competition with standard league models in other sports. Derek Beaumont supports the expansion as overdue and essential. He believes loop fixtures diminish both broadcast value and spectator engagement, and that a properly structured competition is vital to attract investment and long-term growth. The expansion is also framed as part of a wider IMG-led transformation of the sport’s commercial and governance framework. 2. Team Selection: IMG Grading + Independent Panel IMG’s grading system will be used to select the first 12 Super League teams. This model is data-driven and ranks clubs on: - On-field performance
- Financial sustainability
- Facilities and infrastructure
- Fanbase and market reach
- Community engagement
Clubs are scored out of 20 points. This approach removes the reliance on promotion/relegation based solely on results and instead emphasises long-term stability. For the remaining two Super League places (to reach 14), there will be an application process, managed by an independent panel chaired by Lord Jonathan Caine. Importantly, this panel has the authority to reject all applicants if none meet the required standard. Beaumont stressed that this process will not be political or biased. He specifically reassured listeners that Nigel Wood, a figure associated with prior RFL controversies, has no role or influence. The intention is to find two clubs that are not only competitive on the field but also commercially and structurally robust enough to sustain Super League status. 3. New Play-off Format: Top 8, NRL Model The expansion to 14 clubs comes with an expanded play-off series involving the top eight teams (up from six). The structure mirrors the NRL Finals Series, designed to balance reward for finishing higher with excitement for fans: Week 1: 1st vs 4th and 2nd vs 3rd (Qualifying Finals) – winners go straight to Week 3; losers get a second chance. 5th vs 8th and 6th vs 7th (Elimination Finals) – losers are out; winners advance to Week 2. Week 2: Losers from 1v4 and 2v3 face the winners from the elimination games. Week 3: Semi-finals: winners go to Grand Final. Week 4: Grand Final. Beaumont sees this format as superior to the old top-6 model. It offers more clubs the chance to be involved in meaningful end-of-season games, keeps fanbases engaged longer, and increases the value of the broadcast package with more knockout content. 4. Magic Weekend Replacement: Nines or Alternative Event Beaumont confirmed the Magic Weekend will likely be discontinued. With a 26-game season and no loop fixtures, there is no room to include an additional round. His proposal: a Rugby League Nines Festival to replace it. Key characteristics: Could be held in international markets (e.g. France, North America, Middle East) Includes Super League clubs, possibly women's teams, and even guest teams (e.g. from Australia or Pacific nations) Focuses on speed, skill, entertainment value, and marketability — targeting a younger or more casual audience Could be linked with a music festival or city-wide fan zone experience Alternatively, he suggests packaging the Challenge Cup quarter-finals into a single event weekend. This could be held at a neutral venue, creating a celebratory festival feel around a key domestic competition. 5. Wider Vision: Modernising the Sport Beaumont sees all these changes as part of a deliberate shift away from the traditional but stagnant Super League model towards a commercially viable, forward-looking sport. He acknowledges resistance from some quarters of the fanbase who are wary of change or see these moves as gimmicky. However, he argues that the league must evolve structurally and commercially or risk further decline — particularly in terms of attracting new sponsors, media deals, and fans. The introduction of clear grading, independent governance panels, and internationally focused showcase events reflects a move to professionalise the sport’s presentation and strategy. --- What's the the point of typing all that, when you can just watch the video interview? |
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Kings of Rugby:For anyone who, like me, shudders at the thought of listening to that gimp talk - I asked ChatGPT to do a summary: -- Expansion to a 14-Team Super League (from 2026) The shift from a 12-team to a 14-team Super League was unanimously approved by the clubs in 2024. The primary reason: the current structure relies on loop fixtures to fill out the season (teams playing some opponents three times), which compromises competitive integrity and causes fan confusion. A 14-team league allows for a cleaner, more logical structure: each team plays the others home and away (26 rounds), aligning the competition with standard league models in other sports. Derek Beaumont supports the expansion as overdue and essential. He believes loop fixtures diminish both broadcast value and spectator engagement, and that a properly structured competition is vital to attract investment and long-term growth. The expansion is also framed as part of a wider IMG-led transformation of the sport’s commercial and governance framework. 2. Team Selection: IMG Grading + Independent Panel IMG’s grading system will be used to select the first 12 Super League teams. This model is data-driven and ranks clubs on: - On-field performance
- Financial sustainability
- Facilities and infrastructure
- Fanbase and market reach
- Community engagement
Clubs are scored out of 20 points. This approach removes the reliance on promotion/relegation based solely on results and instead emphasises long-term stability. For the remaining two Super League places (to reach 14), there will be an application process, managed by an independent panel chaired by Lord Jonathan Caine. Importantly, this panel has the authority to reject all applicants if none meet the required standard. Beaumont stressed that this process will not be political or biased. He specifically reassured listeners that Nigel Wood, a figure associated with prior RFL controversies, has no role or influence. The intention is to find two clubs that are not only competitive on the field but also commercially and structurally robust enough to sustain Super League status. 3. New Play-off Format: Top 8, NRL Model The expansion to 14 clubs comes with an expanded play-off series involving the top eight teams (up from six). The structure mirrors the NRL Finals Series, designed to balance reward for finishing higher with excitement for fans: Week 1: 1st vs 4th and 2nd vs 3rd (Qualifying Finals) – winners go straight to Week 3; losers get a second chance. 5th vs 8th and 6th vs 7th (Elimination Finals) – losers are out; winners advance to Week 2. Week 2: Losers from 1v4 and 2v3 face the winners from the elimination games. Week 3: Semi-finals: winners go to Grand Final. Week 4: Grand Final. Beaumont sees this format as superior to the old top-6 model. It offers more clubs the chance to be involved in meaningful end-of-season games, keeps fanbases engaged longer, and increases the value of the broadcast package with more knockout content. 4. Magic Weekend Replacement: Nines or Alternative Event Beaumont confirmed the Magic Weekend will likely be discontinued. With a 26-game season and no loop fixtures, there is no room to include an additional round. His proposal: a Rugby League Nines Festival to replace it. Key characteristics: Could be held in international markets (e.g. France, North America, Middle East) Includes Super League clubs, possibly women's teams, and even guest teams (e.g. from Australia or Pacific nations) Focuses on speed, skill, entertainment value, and marketability — targeting a younger or more casual audience Could be linked with a music festival or city-wide fan zone experience Alternatively, he suggests packaging the Challenge Cup quarter-finals into a single event weekend. This could be held at a neutral venue, creating a celebratory festival feel around a key domestic competition. 5. Wider Vision: Modernising the Sport Beaumont sees all these changes as part of a deliberate shift away from the traditional but stagnant Super League model towards a commercially viable, forward-looking sport. He acknowledges resistance from some quarters of the fanbase who are wary of change or see these moves as gimmicky. However, he argues that the league must evolve structurally and commercially or risk further decline — particularly in terms of attracting new sponsors, media deals, and fans. The introduction of clear grading, independent governance panels, and internationally focused showcase events reflects a move to professionalise the sport’s presentation and strategy. --- What's the the point of typing all that, when you can just watch the video interview? | |
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| Rank | Posts | Team |
| International Star | 4832 | Wigan Warriors |
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| Jan 2015 | 11 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Jul 2025 | Jan 2025 | LINK |
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