Rugby League’s plans for the Championship and League One over the next three years have been the main talking point among supporters since Wednesday.
The plan is to have 12 teams in each League by the 2026 season and there will be promotion and relegation between the two.
Cumbria Crack asked the county’s three professional clubs for their thoughts on the proposals.
Workington Town’s new interim chairman Graeme Peers said: “In our opinion, this is a good move. An equal or near equal split of teams in leagues is a good thing, and a new team, providing due diligence is done and lessons are learned from previous failed attempts, is always a good thing.
“We appealed for more consideration and respect, and changes were made pre 2024 which has enabled us to plan more efficiently. What fans and sponsors want is set information to plan around, we have that now.
“The 8s is an interesting concept which should create very interesting end of season games and the best will progress.
“The IMG proposals are the drivers of change, but for us we were heading and walking that path anyways and we embrace the culture of improving standards.
“However we do await further news on how grading is factored into the next three years fairly, including news on TV deals and subsequent revenue generation. It’s obvious we are following a well-trodden and successful TV model, but ensuring that the same 12 teams are always at the top get the biggest cuts of generated income isn’t good for growing the whole pyramid.
“So as the revenues do grow, and I think they will, it is important that all clubs are afforded more equal splits but with specific percentages spent on development, reserve grades, pathways that ultimately will provide longevity for all involved.
“Facility wise, we are in a potentially good position. We have options on the table and also security of tenure so we are a club on the up and have invested sensibly on our current facility to generate additional income and also have a potentially excellent option with the Cumberland Sports Village proposals, which if done correctly will see us in a position to move through the pyramid as our facility will allow us to.
“That progress will be done via a measured structured approach and we urge potential partners to catalyse this progress further and help provide a club that’s embraces and supports its community but is equally ambitious to make progress on the field of play.”
Whitehaven’s chief executive Barry Morgan said: “Whitehaven are unlikely to make Super League anytime soon given the decline in gates, an aging rented ground and IMG.
“We can, however, hopefully compete in the Championship over the next two years and establish ourselves on and off the field as a regular contender for the top six. This goal I believe, is achievable and will help stabilise the club financially.
“Twelve teams each in the Championship and League One would be ok provided that the finances for the divisions are shared equally for all clubs to thrive. If TV is to be a prominent part of the lower leagues then Super League can’t continue to have the lion’s share.”
Steve Neale, the club chairman provided the Barrow view. He said: “Barrow Raiders are broadly in support of the new structure.
“Although the Championship was a great League with 14 teams League One was clearly broken with the recent losses of West Wales and London Skolars.
“I think the move to 12 teams is fair and the introduction of the middle eights should keep the best teams in the Championship but still give opportunities for strong League One teams to progress.
“We like the idea of creating a pyramid with strong community teams getting the opportunity to progress with the right facilities and governance.
“This should ensure that if we lose any other teams the League should not be weakened.
“We were strongly opposed to to regional conferences which were talked about last summer so we are pretty content with the outcome.”
All three clubs start their League campaigns on Sunday with Barrow at Widnes and Whitehaven at home to Swinton in the Championship. Workington Town open against League One title favourites Oldham at the Fibrus Community Stadium.
