Back in 1998 when the Rugby Football League announced a new playoff system, the only recognition for finishing top of the league ladder at the end of the regular season was an easier route to the Grand Final than your rivals. That was until 2003 when the Leader's Shield was introduced.
Super League Playoffs
Since 1998, the end-of-season playoffs to determine the Super League Champions have undergone numerous changes. Notably the number of teams that qualify and their respective routes to the final. One thing that has remained a constant, except for one time back in 2005, is that the team finishing top of the pile have competed in the showpiece final at Manchester United's Old Trafford ground. They were still not guaranteed to be crowned Champions however as Bradford in 1999 and Wigan in 2000 found out. So was an easier route to the final enough recognition for finishing ahead of your competitors after 20+ games? Numerous people within the sport didn't think so, and so the RFL introduced the Super League Leader's Shield.
For the first two years the concept seemed flawed after both Bradford Bulls and Leeds Rhinos went on to finish top and then lift the big prize at Old Trafford, but in 2005 St Helens would finish top of the table, yet Bradford (who finished 10 points behind them) would be crowned Champions after they beat Leeds 15-6 in the final. Saints gained revenge a year later by winning both, but again in 2007 and 2008 the league leaders failed to be crowned Champions. So after 12 finals and only 7 wins for the side that finished top. Is the Leader's Shield even enough credit? Can you imagine if Manchester United had only won 7 Premier League titles despite finishing top on 11 occasions?
League Leader's Shield
The shield was first won by Bradford Bulls who as stated went on to lift the Super League Trophy at Old Trafford, as did 2004 winners Leeds. St Helens then monopolised the shield as they lifted it in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 but would only win 1 title in that time when they beat Hull FC in 2006. Despite only lifting the shield in 2004 and recently in 2009, Leeds have now lifted 4 Super League titles and the last three in a row. Not much reward for the Saints.
The credibility of the shield can be called into question simply by the attitude towards it from certain fans and pundits alike who have nicknamed it 'The Hubcap' due to its appearance. Differing somewhat to the one awarded to the ' Minor Premiers ' in the NRL, the Leader's Shield is looked upon as a 'nothing' trophy. There are however many in the game who deem it to be the hardest trophy to win due to the tough league campaign undergone to win it, rather than a knockout competition which could hinge on an injury or poor officiating decision. Even fans of 2010 winners Wigan are divided about the importance of the shield.
So just how should the Super League Leader's be rewarded for their efforts over 27 games?
Sources:
RL FANS LEEDS RHINOS BBC SPORT
Adam Conroy - Despite not being an experienced writer, I have had a love of all things sport since a young age. I have travelled both the country and ...
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