Ahead of the huge restructuring of Rugby League in the United Kingdom next year, there have been a whole host of talking points regarding the future of the game. However, one point which has been brought up more than any is the possibility of the bonus points system being introduced across the board next season.
Championship and Championship One has had the system in place for a number of years, with any team within 12 points at the final hooter receiving a losing bonus point. And looking at the Super League table – especially how tight it is in terms of the race for top spot and the play-offs – it’s interesting to contemplate what life would be like with a bonus point system in Super League in 2014.
There are some teams who’d suffer as a result of it – but you may be surprised to find out that there are some who’d gain a very big advantage indeed. TotalRL.com has crunched through all the results so far this season, and produced an ‘alternative’ Super League table – with bonus points included, just like the Championships. Again, if you’re within 12 points in a defeat, you get one bonus point.
| 1 | Wigan Warriors | 24 | 16 | 1 | 7 | LBP: 5 | 38 |
| 2 | Leeds Rhinos | 24 | 15 | 2 | 7 | LBP: 6 | 38 |
| 3 | St Helens | 24 | 18 | 0 | 6 | LBP: 1 | 37 |
| 4 | Castleford Tigers | 24 | 15 | 2 | 7 | LBP: 4 | 36 |
| 5 | Warrington Wolves | 25 | 16 | 1 | 8 | LBP: 2 | 35 |
| 6 | Huddersfield Giants | 25 | 15 | 3 | 7 | LBP: 1 | 34 |
| 7 | Catalan Dragons | 24 | 11 | 1 | 12 | LBP: 5 | 28 |
| 8 | Widnes Vikings | 24 | 11 | 1 | 12 | LBP: 4 | 27 |
| 9 | Hull FC | 24 | 8 | 2 | 14 | LBP: 8 | 26 |
| 10 | Hull Kingston Rovers | 24 | 9 | 3 | 12 | LBP: 2 | 23 |
| 11 | Salford Red Devils | 24 | 9 | 1 | 14 | LBP: 3 | 22 |
| 12 | Wakefield Wildcats | 24 | 9 | 1 | 14 | LBP: 3 | 22 |
| 13 | Bradford Bulls | 24 | 7 | 0 | 17 | LBP: 2 | 10 |
| 14 | London Broncos | 24 | 1 | 0 | 23 | LBP: 3 | 5 |
So there you have it. Clearly the biggest benefactors of a bonus points system would be Leeds, Wigan and Hull – who have six, five and eight bonus points respectively. It would catapult Hull to within a point of the play-off places, rather than the five adrift they are now. Leeds and Wigan would nudge St Helens down into third, whilst Castleford would be looking good in fourth – with a game in hand on Warrington and Huddersfield.
Unfortunately for Bradford and London fans, the system wouldn’t make much difference for you – you’d still be relegated.
