COUGAR chairman Neil Spencer this week backed plans for a revamped end of season play-off system for National League clubs.

He has made no secret of that fact that he would like a return to 'first past the post' with the winners of each division getting automatic promotion.

"I would like automatic promotion and relegation, even though that would have meant would would not be preparing for life in National League 1 today," he said.

After a bright start to last season's league campaign Cougars slipped into the doldrums before gaining promotion with some sparkling play-off performances.

"The exposure which the play-offs, and particularly the televised Grand Final, give to the game is very important. For us it gave the fans a superb day out and was just magical," he said.

Under a system adopted by National League clubs this week the Grand Final play-off will remain for promotion to Super League, but the National League 2 champions will get automatic promotion to NL1 and the ninth placed club in NL1 will join the play-off for a second 'promotion' place.

Mr Spencer added: "Rugby Union has gained huge publicity from the World Cup win and we have to try to get the same interest in Rugby League.

"The exposure we got from the televised Grand Final last season is paying dividends for the club and the whole of the game has to try and move forward. We want to see improved television coverage throughout the game."

Super League clubs have agreed to pay £250,000 of Sky TV cash into a pot for lower division teams, with the money being matched by the Rugby League itself.

The money will be distributed to the clubs with half going in unconditional payments and the rest linked to a clubs community and development work.

"We were the pioneers of working in the community and the club has a very strong base so we have no problems about being prepared for what Rugby League headquarters require.

With time ticking down to the start of the season on February 1 - just three weeks away - coach Gary Moorby is still searching for new players .

"Two players we were chasing have opted for NL2 clubs which is very frustrating," he said.