St Helens begin defence against Dragons

StHelens

A new structure is in place for the 2015 season, with promotion and relegation to the English rugby league top flight incorporated.

While the top eight of the Super League table will battle it out for the title in the Super 8s, the bottom four will play matches against the top four Championship sides.

After seven matches in that phase, the best three teams will attain or retain Super League status, while the fourth- and fifth-placed sides will play-off in what has been christened the "Million Pound Game".

Other additions to the schedule include a tinkering to the defunct World Club Challenge, with a new-look World Club Series - featuring the three best sides in England and the Australian champions - taking its place in February.

The Super League's St Helens, Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves will compete against NRL clubs South Sydney Rabbitohs, Brisbane Broncos and the St George/Illawarra Dragons.

The league season kicks off prior to that, though, with 2014 runners-up Wigan taking on Widnes Vikings on February 5, before champions St Helens are set to be lead into a new era after the resignation of coach Nathan Brown when they host Catalans a day later.

On February 8, Leeds Rhinos travel to Hull Kingston Rovers, Castleford Tigers welcome Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Huddersfield Giants take on Hull FC and Warrington Wolves are at home to Salford Red Devils in other round one fixtures.

The other highlight of the season is the 'Magic Weekend' of Round 16, with all six matches to be played in Newcastle across May 30/31.

Super League general manage Blake Solly is confident the format chages will make for a "compelling" season. 

"The league structure allows for changes that will bring unprecedented levels of excitement, drama and jeopardy to a game that has an unrivalled ability to deliver world class sporting action," Solly said.

"Our very own 'Ryder Cup of Rugby League', the World Club Series, a fantastic trip to Newcastle for Magic Weekend, the Super 8s, Million Pound Game and, of course, the Grand Final all make for what I am sure will be a compelling year."

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