The reported 2026 fixture list is "mad", "bizarre", "fiasco" etc, but it is typical of the RFL, with decisions made on the back of a fag packet. 

A last minute decision was made to increase the number of Clubs in SL to 14 to avoid the loop fixtures - but no doubt also to meet the SL aspirations of a senior figure in the RFL. This decision was made without consideration of the funding arrangements or the full support of other SL teams or by the looks of it, little or no consultation with Sky. It is clear that no consideration was given to the impact on the game below SL or I would guess, no consultation with Clubs outside SL.

We are still in the dark about the future of Salford and there are still question marks over the finances of Featherstone and Halifax. What does the future hold for Newcastle, unless they can attract a wealthy backer? Do Clubs have any idea what central funding, if any, they will be getting in 2026 and beyond?

The truth is that RFL have no interest in the game outside SL and this approach is killing the game. It is reliant on a few wealthy backers to keep a few Clubs afloat and this can only lead to the long-term decline in the game, as those wealthy backers realise that their finances are not finite and losing £2m a year is not sustainable.

Personally, I agree with the 2026 fixture list based on league position/IMG gradings, as it should bring more competitive games. Good luck to Swinton, Midland Hurricanes and others if it means that they may be competing at the top of the table in 2026. You never know, it may well increase their crowds.

I would hope that the Championship Clubs themselves determine the fixture structure. It may well be that we have to live with a "mad", "bizarre" and a "fiasco" with the 2026 fixture list, which delivers competitive fixtures. Maybe time can then be taken to give careful consideration to the future long-term structure of the game, including distribution of central funding, the number of teams in SL and promotion and relegation.

We can only live in hope of the RFL approaching this with an open mind and throw away the fag packet, to enable an honest and independent review for the good of the game a a whole. I don't hold out much hope.

Well the number of clubs in the ‘also ran’ league is very fluid as we speak

salfraud ?

fev being taken to court for unpaid wages

fax - winding up order looming

newcastle ?

whitehaven ?

and the rest, May end up with a 15 team league anyway

another rfl farce