Castleford chief’s “radical” plan to revolutionise rugby league
Castleford want Super League to copy cricket’s The Hundred and Formula One’s Sprint by introducing a new shortened form of the game for 2022.
The competition is designed to introduce a faster, more exciting version of the game in a bid to halt the decline in attendances in Super League.
“We need to do something radical to get the fans back,” said Grattan, who has gauged interest from all sectors of the game and whose proposal is set to be discussed by clubs at Friday’s meeting called to determine the future of the game.
Scoring would consist of a point for a try, with no goals, and at least four players would have to be under the age of 21.
If the plan wins support, Grattan wants the winners of each match to receive an extra point which would be added to the Super League table in an effort to encourage clubs to take the competition seriously.
He argues the competition would allows clubs to open their doors more often, thereby increasing revenue streams, and give season-ticket holders more value for money.
Meanwhile, Castleford have signed winger Bureta Faraimo from Hull on a two-year deal from next season.
The 31-year-old has scored 40 tries in 80 appearances for Hull during his three-year spell with Hull. Faraimo has won four caps for the USA and has represented the nation in two World Cups.
Faraimo will play out the rest of this season with Hull before linking up with the Tigers in 2022.
Faraimo said: “I am really excited. I’m looking forward to working with Lee Radford again and we’ll hopefully win some silverware together.
“I’ve had some good times with Hull FC over the last three years and I will be trying my best to get some silverware with them before I leave.
“The crowd at Castleford is always good and they are right on top of you. Even as an opposition player it’s impressive and I can’t wait to be there with the crowd on my side the next two years.
“I’ll play wherever I am needed and whatever is best for the team to be successful. I’m looking forward to playing well, enjoying my time at the club, and making some new friends.”