Relegation freeze aimed at promoting local talent
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Super League this season will see young British players given greater opportunities, according to Rugby League officials.
The 13th season of the competition, which kicks off this Saturday, will see the abolition of promotion and relegation in favour of a new licensing system, and the League's chief executive, Nigel Wood, believes that will free clubs to put their faith in home-grown players. "The excitement will move away from relegation and instead will be focused on which sides can make the play-offs," said Wood, who has also been the driving force behind a rule pushing clubs towards fielding more players they have developed themselves.
"The club-trained player rule fulfils our objective to develop more young and talented players."
Wood claims that the transformation is already taking place, with registrations this year showing a 12 per cent increase in home-grown players and overseas input down to 29 per cent of rosters. Of last season's top two clubs, Leeds have 19 England-qualified players in their first-team squad and St Helens 21.
In another big change, referees will be allocated games regardless of their home town. That means that Steve Ganson, for instance, will be allowed to referee his local club, St Helens. Referees have already been used as video adjudicators in matches involving their home-town teams.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments