I HEAR a few Super League clubs around the traps raising the question of the impact of jeopardy on the game and whether the current system causes too much disruption to clubs. This year poses an interesting set of scenarios.

In the Super League currently only four points separate the bottom five clubs, with the bottom four teams after round 23, having to play in the qualifiers. At the moment the bottom five clubs are Salford, Huddersfield, Catalans, Widnes and Hull KR.

Of course the excitement culminates with a seven-round competition of the top four clubs from the Championship also fighting their way into the qualifiers to give their fans, sponsors and backers, a chance to win promotion to the top table next year.

The qualifiers play-off format pits the four worst performing clubs in Super League with the four best performing teams from Championship.

All teams making the qualifiers have the ability to spend the same money amount on players, and the format gives proof to the RFL’s marketing by-line; 'Every minute matters'. In fact for every team. It’s quite conceivable that in this the fourth year of the qualifiers competition structure that more than one championship team could realistically win promotion.

The challenge from the Championship teams is spearheaded by Toronto, London, Toulouse, Featherstone, Leigh and Halifax. A total of six sides, whose stakeholders equally will be rallying over the next two months to see their club push forward for promotion.

The first three automatically qualify for Super League, with teams finishing fourth and fifth playing off in the feared million pound game. A novel, exciting and invigorating contest, culminating in despair for the defeated, and quiet celebration for the survivor.

Anyone watching the Toronto v Warrington Challenge Cup game a few weeks ago, would have witnessed what will be in store come play-off time for the bottom four Super League sides (and the match officials).

Of the Championship sides, Toronto should finish first and Toulouse could well finish second, meaning they would both earn four home games in the qualifiers. That makes for a tough travelling circuit for the rest in the qualifiers pool.

Clearly what is happening is that the Championship clubs four years into the format are increasing the amount they are investing in players, to ensure that they can compete with Super League clubs in the qualifiers.

No better example than Toronto, who are investing huge sums to attract the top players to the hungry Wolfpack. Is it good for the game? Absolutely.

It highlights one of the many benefits of opening new markets with new rich club owners. Sure, the rest of the clubs see eye watering amounts being traded about, but player managers and players alike, smile with glee at the prospect of picking up a six or seven-figure deal.

Sky will also be rubbing their hands together, safe in the knowledge that in its fourth year, the qualifiers will be bigger, better, and more compelling than ever before.

Imagine if four Super League clubs ended up relegated.

The point I’m making is this. Just because four teams will end up at risk of relegation, is not the reason to contemplate change.

More importantly the effect and opportunities created by jeopardy is what will drive fans through the turnstiles, and club owners to spend and invest in protecting themselves and their clubs.

In my view, we don’t need to make any major changes to our competition structures, we need to develop our in-stadium experiences to the point where games are pure entertainment with a sporting event in the middle.

Certainly on a recent trip to Dallas, I witnessed first-hand how Americans make a three-four hour baseball game, into a whole evening of dancing, singing, eating, and drinking and I suspect that also included the players. The fan engagement and commercialisation was just at an eye-watering level.

I can hear the purists slagging me off on the blog sites, but before you hit DEFCON 5, bear in mind that as a sport we must continue to adjust to provide entertainment to our fans and supporters, both in-stadium and online. Keep attracting spectators and eyeballs. That means what the fans experience when coming through the turnstiles, to how they can consume the event in an on-line world connected to all their digital communities. All the action, interaction, and fan engagement.

Ultimately I expect a wave of pressure from those most at risk to modify this format to reduce the risks to relegation.

Sorry to point out the obvious, but I never hear the turkey voting for Christmas.

We need to stop thinking with protectionism in our minds, and think about how do we grow the value of the game by attracting new spectators, growing new markets and fans, growing grass roots participation, and attracting new sponsors.

We don’t need Eddie Hearn to answer this question. A blind Don King could tell you – It's all about self promotion. Enough.

As round 11 approaches, we have a different challenge in the form of the Hemel Stags tomorrow. We will need a pillow and blanket for the eight-hour return journey as we roar down the M1, on our way to the capital. Rest assured Hemel’s top try scorer Jono Burns will be looking to add to his season tally of 10 tries.

For those fans making the journey, as always we are grateful for your support for the club, I know our coaching staff and team are giving the Hemel boys absolute respect, and we will be looking to improve on the delivery from last Friday in Newcastle.

We will be looking to provide a high level of consistency and intensity, in what hopefully will see us back on top of the league table come tomorrow evening.

For those who can’t join us please enjoy the live coverage with BullsTV and ProperSport on Facebook Live. Otherwise join the Stampede to Peninne Way and please remember that kick-off tomorrow is at 2pm.

And don’t forget to book hospitality for our next home game on Saturday, June 9, with our special guests champion bloke Marwan Koukash taking the stage along with champion boxer Darren Tetley. And if your bringing the kiddies, best bring the earmuffs.