Editor’s column: Level playing field, structure changes & international debate

A number of rugby league talking points for this week’s editor’s column, including bans, internationals, structure changes and Magic Weekend.

The most important game of Magic Weekend will be the relegation battle between Toulouse and Wakefield.

Anything but a Toulouse win, and I think we can wave goodbye to any chance of the French club retaining their Super League status.

While some will say more focus should be given to the St Helens and Wigan clash at the top of the table, ultimately the nature of rugby league means that’s just a pre-cursor to the play-offs and the Grand Final.

There’s no second chances for Toulouse, and they must follow up the win over Hull KR by beating Trinity.

Whatever IMG decide to do with Super League, the fact shouldn’t be lost that in recent years, the promoted sides have not been on a level playing field.

Leigh had to jump in at the eleventh hour last season and were hindered not only by late recruitment, but by a heavily reduced central funding pay out.

This season, Toulouse have been forced to cough up the travel expenses for the established Super League clubs they had earned the right to play.

No doubt this is a significant contributory factor to why Toulouse will end the season with just one home game in six.

After their five games in July, four of which are at home, the only team that will visit Toulouse for the rest of the season is Catalans.

It shouldn’t have to be like this.

The confirmation from Ralph Rimmer that there will be no structure changes for 2023 was welcome – though it really ought to be a given.

It’s diabolical that clubs are expected to prepare for and start a season without knowing exactly what they’re playing for.

Clubs have already started recruiting for 2023 based on