The Middle 8's

[dontshootthemessenger]

How many of the SL teams will survive ?

[Chook]

For me:
Widnes, Hull and Leigh automatic.
Salford and Bradford in the MPG.
So 1 or 2.

I've been brought up on NRL, so all SL formats are new to me, but I have to say I really like the excitement generated by this format. Genuine interest thoughout the three tier ladder.

[Mike]

I'd say that it will come down to the 4th vs 5th game. Wakefield v Leigh.

I think this year we may see some competitive games. But we're also going to see some huge thrashings. I'd say next season if Leigh go up and Wakefield down the whole thing will be thrashings. I doubt Wakefield will survive the drop in a position to build a competitive Championship team.

If Leigh don't go up I wouldn't be surprised to see them go bust.

I still can't see how a meaningful competition can be had between sides with such different financial situations.

[Wiganer Ted]

Then what will be the verdict if Leigh or any Championship team don't go up?
Leigh have done well against SL teams in the C Cup but that's a game that comes around every four/five weeks. This time they'll be playing against SL opposition almost every other week. Whether they can maintain their winning habit under those circumstances remains to be seen.

Wouldn't surprise me if the four SL clubs going into the middle eights survive. I do think that Widnes, HKR and Salford will do well against Champ'p opposition. Wakefield are everyone's troubled club yet I can't see them losing against Leigh again seeing they have a new coach and half the team has changed. Last weekend's 10 point loss at Hudds seems to indicate they are at a better level than Leigh.

[dontshootthemessenger]

I'd say that it will come down to the 4th vs 5th game. Wakefield v Leigh.

I think this year we may see some competitive games. But we're also going to see some huge thrashings. I'd say next season if Leigh go up and Wakefield down the whole thing will be thrashings. I doubt Wakefield will survive the drop in a position to build a competitive Championship team.

If Leigh don't go up I wouldn't be surprised to see them go bust.

I still can't see how a meaningful competition can be had between sides with such different financial situations.

can you clarify , please ,Mike ? I have no detailed knowledge of the teams financial situations , but I would have thought that Leigh and Bradford would make it a decent competition.

Both have had very good seasons , so confidence will not be a problem , whereas it cant be great for the SL clubs, and the Championship salary cap rise this season must have helped ?

[cpwigan]

The championship teams on the face of it should not win BUT just as Leigh showed in the CC, a teams winning week in week out creeds confidence and belief whereas many of the SL have experienced the opposite.

Personally, I would say Leigh are the one club that will gain promotion.

I can understand what Mike is saying. Championship teams going full time signing players are gambling on that investment bringing success I.E SL Without SL that investment is not sustainable.

I do wonder how Leigh get under the Championship cap which is paltry by comparison to SL.

[dontshootthemessenger]

the championship cap is £1m v SL £ 1.6m ?

although I have no idea how close to the cap any team in either division is

[cpwigan]

Cheers dstm, I thought it was far less in the championship.

[OAMJSONA]

Ley have a chance dnt think any of the others have. The inensity in the Championship week in week out is nothing like as strong as in Super League, The whole niddle 8,s in my opinion is stacked against the championship teams anyway

[Panchitta Marra]

Wouldn't surprise me if all the Superleague teams got the results they need against the Championship teams.