A special system for awarding competition points operates in the Northern Rail Cup and The Co-operative Championship competitions.
It has many benefits including the following:
KEEPS GAMES ALIVE LONGER
By offering a tangible reward for strong, consistent performance over 80
minutes, the system encourages teams to keep competing in games that
they may not be able to win.
To move the scoreboard in their favour, teams will play an attacking
brand of Rugby League which will increase the spectacle and
entertainment at many matches throughout the season.
ADDS AN EXTRA DIMENSION
Spectators have more to consider as they watch the action unfold. The
system creates opportunities for clubs to take their destiny into their
own hands and make a positive 'impact' on their League position. This
adds extra excitment to the competition tables in both the Northern Rail
Cup and The Co-operative Championship and will create greater levels
of intrigue and excitement as the season progresses.
STRENGTHENS THE COMPETITION
The system encourages teams to be consistent and produce an optimum
performance in all their matches throughout the season. This stimulates
individual players and teams to 'raise their game' which in turn has a
positive impact on the intensity and the on-field standards of the sport
at this level.
STRIKES THE RIGHT BALANCE
The RFL commissioned a study prior to introducing this new system. The
study examined what would happen if the new system had applied in
previous Championship seasons. The results showed the system did not
disproportionately distort competition tables or give teams that lost
matches too great a reward. Also, the system does not exacerbate the gap
between strong and weak teams. In short, the new system strikes the
right balance between creating additional excitement and interest and
maintaining the integrity of the League and Cup tournaments.
Championship's new competition points system
Win - Three points.
Draw - Two points.
Loss by 12 points or fewer - One point.
Featherstone 40
Sheffield 4
Sheffield 50
Halifax 12
Hunslet 24
Halifax 32
Widnes 4
Featherstone 44
Sheffield 52
York 18
Toulouse 28
Barrow 42
Workington 12
Keighley 32
Rochdale 26
Doncaster 18
Keighley 10
Workington 19
Doncaster 34
Whitehaven 16
Rochdale 39
Oldham 18
Keighley 28
Whitehaven 20
Halifax 16
Leigh 20
Leigh 44
Dewsbury 10
Featherstone 30
Halifax 30
Dewsbury 38
Batley 22
Toulouse 26
Halifax 36
Hunslet 12
Featherstone 50