Martyn Sadler

12 February - precise date to be determined.

The format has been ratified. It will be a graded fixture list with some adjustment to give clubs local derbies.

Yes, of course.

The Championship clubs are having a meeting today. They will play 12 league fixtures next year, which they all accept. The core debate today will be about the format of the play-offs and the distribution of central funds. The fixtures will be published in November.

I haven't seen any communication from the club but the court hearing has been adjourned until December, I understand.

In this issue we welcome John Kear to the Podcast to preview the first Test at Wembley and to discuss the new clubs entering Super League and the Pacific Cup. The Podcast was recorded before the England 19-man squad was revealed.

As far as I'm aware McBride are conducting a search for the right candidate. I'm not aware of how they are doing that.

I'll tell them to up the pay to £500K per year in the hope that you'll apply. Even then, I'm sure you would be under-valuing your obvious talents. You are far too modest about yourself.

A shame! I was looking forward to you making Hastings the centre of the Rugby League universe.

I don't know whether this has already been flagged on this forum, but the RFL is looking for a Director of Corporate Communications. "As a key member of the executive leadership team, the Director of Corporate Communications will: Lead the development and execution of a forward-thinking, integrated communications strategy. Act as a trusted adviser to the CEO, Board, and senior stakeholders on all matters relating to reputation, media, and public affairs. Oversee corporate communications, media relations, crisis management, and internal communications. Serve as a senior spokesperson when required, representing the RFL with authority and credibility. Work closely with RL Commercial and key partners to ensure aligned messaging and strategic collaboration. Champion a consistent tone of voice and brand identity across all platforms and audiences. We’re looking for an individual with: A proven track record in senior communications leadership, ideally in sport, media, entertainment, or a high-profile, consumer-facing environment. Deep experience in strategic media relations, brand and reputation management, and public affairs. Strong expertise in crisis and issues communications, with a clear understanding of reputational risk. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise at Board level. A strong network within the UK media landscape and experience managing high-profile stories and stakeholders. Leadership experience, with a collaborative and empowering approach to building teams and capability. An understanding of the sporting landscape and a passion for the role of sport in society." I tried to persuade them that a key requirement should be that the successful candidate should be a member of this forum, given that it is brimming over with obviously talented communicators, but Nigel wouldn't agree. The search is being carried out by McBride Sport Recruitment. Get your applications in.

Unfortunately Neil has had to postpone his session with us. Something urgent has arisen in his day job. I hope we can organise an alternative date with him.

Your post gives an excellent rationale for the gradings system being totally inappropriate for determining which clubs should be in Super League. If the Bulls hadn't been in the top 12 graded clubs, I suspect they wouldn't have qualified as one of the two additional clubs that will be revealed tomorrow.

A nice comment. We'll have Neil Hudgell on our Podcast in the morning. I may read your introduction to this thread to him. It seems very appropriate.

I don't have the details either. However, the allocation of expenditure depends on the terms of the lease the Bulls held from the RFL. But if the RFL was having to incur what it saw as needless expense, there was even more reason to get the asset off its hands.

I can't imagine that much has changed, other than that the club has recruited some directors with deep enough pockets to pay the bills.