Sinfield backs Super League changes

Leeds Rhinos and England skipper Kevin Sinfield has given his backing to the proposed new format for Super League.

The elite competition is set to be reduced to 12 teams from 2015 and, depending on what option is selected, could be made up of a regular season of 23 games.

This would be followed by an extended play-off series to find the best four teams over the course of the season, who would then compete in knock-out semi-finals to decide who reaches the season climax at Old Trafford to crown the Champions.

Sinfield said, “Personally I like the proposed format and I think it addresses a lot of the issues that we have in the game at the moment.

“The regular season will be similar to what we have now with each team playing each other home and away plus the Magic Weekend, but now the teams who consistently perform during the regular season can carry that advantage into the play offs.

“There is also a chance for aspiring teams to come into Super League but with a structured pathway for them to follow so they can raise their standards on and off the field.

“As a sport we should always be looking to raise the bar in terms of performance and I think this proposal does that. I think the fans will love it once it is explained properly to them.

“There was a lot of focus on the original three options but I think this new proposal makes a lot more sense for us as a sport than any of the others.”