By DANNY LOCKWOOD
WITH a nod to both the structural competition differences and Sheffield Eagles’ plight, can I return to Wakefield chairman Michael Carter’s criticism of the Million Pound Game.
It was interesting on that Back Chat programme that Halifax boss Michael Steele and Batley chairman Kevin Nicholas were both more upbeat about the ’12s and 8s’ than Carter.
Neither Championship club harbours serious ambitions of getting into Super League right now, but the new system has delivered more funds and given them something to aim at (that top four and a berth in the Qualifiers) that counts as success.
Not every club can lift silverware and although there might be a thumping in store from a Super League club, it gives them a chance to test themselves at a higher level.
The Batley fans who flocked to Hull KR for their opening game got a terrific welcome, and what on the face of it was just a game, became an ‘event’. There’s a lot to be said for that.
I can understand Michael Carter reflecting on last season’s sudden death match with Bradford with nervous horror. It can’t have been nice – although it was worse for Marc Green and the Bulls.
His point however was that jobs and livelihoods depend on that one game; that it’s unfair on the players.
Really?
Whether it comes down to the MPG or straightforward promotion and relegation, the self-same situation pertains.
That’s the nature of the beast and at least the current system featherbeds the drop for the relegated club more than in the past.
I don’t think Carter was arguing for Super League becoming a closed shop again, but however you sugar the pill, there have to be losers.
