WHITEHAVEN were left both excited and frustrated by talks on the Championship structure for 2026 as fans wait for clarity on what is happening.

Chief executive Lee Butterworth, appointed back in September after his success in various roles over the past year, has promised to keep fans up to date.

He said: “I took part in the meeting, but the audio quality was awful and nothing that was said could be made out by anyone on the call.

“I rang the RFL to discuss the 2026 season and the potential structure for the Championship.

“I feel that this is going to be one of the most exciting seasons Whitehaven will have had for a long time. Lots of changes have been made to benefit clubs in multiple ways.”

Butterworth had hoped to provide a further update to fans, but there are still details to iron out which have prevented the RFL from confirming the play-off structure.

Butterworth added: “The RFL asked us to wait before we did our video on the Championship structure for 2026 so they could give us the play-off structure. The play-offs will be a key part of the league.”

It is thought that the play-offs will comprise ten teams, with a previous suggestion to award a wildcard to one performing well in the latter part of the season thought to have been snubbed by clubs.