Clubs keen for finishing top of table to mean more

The prize money for finishing top of the Super League table has been doubled for 2015.

It means the winners of the league leaders’ shield this season will receive £100,000, as well as automatic qualification for the World Club Series.

Super League General Manager Blake Solly said: “The clubs wanted to make sure it meant a little bit more than in the past.

“One way was to give the leaders automatic qualification for the World Club Series and the other was to double the prize money. They felt good form over a 30-week season deserves to be recognised.”

In the last 10 years, only four clubs who have finished top of the table after the regular season have gone on to become Super League champions.

St Helens finished top of the pile in 2014, and went on to win the Grand Final, defeating Wigan 14-6 at Old Trafford.

Wigan get the new season underway when they travel to Widnes on Thursday night.