Super League reportedly set for radical restructure

The 2024 Betfred Super League has gotten off to a brilliant start raising the question: why would we change anything?

With talk about the NRL wanting to purchase the competition to completely revamp the league gaining speed whilst further IMG changes also loom, it feels silly to consider changing something that has vastly impressed at the start of this season.

Attendances are impressing, with a record breaking number of fans through the doors in round one. Even London Broncos, who many expected to struggled to gain big crowds, have reached around 5,000 in their first two games.

Every game is on TV every week and the on field product has served up some really engaging contests such as the comebacks from Leeds Rhinos and Salford Red Devils in Super League Round Four or the Super League clash between Hull KR and Warrington Wolves. Even the rules have been changed to protect the on field product.

Super League set for radical restructure

Despite all of this, Super League could still be set for change as this week’s council meeting looms large.

Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont has already been brutally honest about being willing to voice his frustrations at the meeting on Wednesday but the topic of structure is set to be brought up.

As previously reported, the prospect of a return of the Super 8s to determine promotion and relegation from the Championship to League One is set to be considered.

This has again been confirmed by the Game Caller. However, he has reported a fresh new twist that Super League could move to 14 teams with Catalans Dragons and Toulouse Olympique involved but not receiving central funding.

Their is credence to this report given the fact that Catalans have been asked to fund the travel of teams across the channel which has caused a lot of push back.

Serious About Rugby League understands that a move to 14 teams remains a possibility but is mostly dependant on the IMG grades of clubs reflecting a need to move to this many teams.

It would also work against the revamped lower leagues removing teams from the mix down there.

Time for 14 teams?

That being said, it is my view that the sport was at its best and most credible when Super League had 14 teams from 2009-14.

In fact, it felt like a step back when the top tier switched back to 12 teams for the 2015 season and the sport has been striving to find a structure with the same kind of consistency and effectiveness ever since.

It would also end the need for loop fixtures but in here lies another problem and why 14 teams may not happen – IMG are determined to reduced fixtures and adding more teams would do the opposite.