Controversial Club Call to be retained

Super League clubs have voted overwhelmingly to keep the controversial Club Call system next season. For the past two years, the highest-placed side reaching the last four of the play-offs has been able to choose their opponents.

The innovation has been condemned as a gimmick by some, but 12 of the 14 chief executives of clubs voted to retain it. The clubs have also voted to stick with an eight-team play-off, despite criticism this year that it diluted the quality of the post-season.

London Broncos, meanwhile, are to branch out into one part of the capital they have never played in by staging a Super League match at Leyton Orient. The relaunched club will play the Bradford Bulls at Brisbane Road on 6 May, while reseeding work is carried out at their ground, the Stoop in Twickenham.