Vikings eye record prize pot on offer

Nov 27 2008 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

WIDNES Vikings will compete in the newly renamed Co-operative Championship next season.

The identity change, which will also see the introduction of Championship One, is intended to raise the profile of the two national leagues below Super League.

As part of the revamp, the Vikings will also adopt squad numbers and have player names on the back of shirts while contesting a greater pool of prize money then ever before at this level.

Nigel Wood, the RFL’s chief executive, said: “These competitions have been growing in popularity each year and this year attendances in National League One reached an 11-year high.

“We believe the rebrand to The Co-operative Championships is the next step in increasing the profile of these competitions and gives them a fresh new look.

“The introduction of Toulouse into the competition next season means the term National League is no longer appropriate.”

He added: “The Championship was chosen after researching various options with supporters.

“It has historical relevance within the sport and until 1995 was the main competition to play for in this country.

“Next season supporters will know that their team is playing to win the Championship, a competition to win in its own right, and one that comes with a strong financial reward.”

He added: “As Sky Sports are continuing to broadcast games from the Championship and Northern Rail Cup knockout stages next year we feel squad numbering and player names will help TV viewers in recognising players.”

There is a record combined total of £200,000 in prize money for the Championship and Championship One teams to play for next season.

Both finalists in The Championship Grand Final will also be eligible to apply for the next round of engage Super League licences for the 2012-2014 seasons.

It is expected The Co-operative Championship logos will be unveiled in early December.