RALPH Rimmer believes the new structure for the Betfred Championship and League One for the 2019 season will mean both competitions retain their appeal to old and new fans.

From next year, the Championship will expand to 14 teams, with the top five fighting it out for the one promotion place to Super League and the bottom two being relegated to League One.

The division currently stands at 12 teams and will be expanded with the top side in League One and play-off winners being promoted.

The side which finishes bottom after this year’s Super Eights - currently Rochdale Hornets - will face the League One play-off final losers to decide the other spot.

“As we have seen this season, the Betfred Championship and League One are strong, vibrant and highly entertaining competitions,” said RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer.

“We want to see both competitions continue to appeal to rugby league fans and attract new ones.

“We have secured guaranteed promotion and relegation to Super League. It is vital that aspiring clubs, players, owners and fans can see their path to the top.”

Crucially, the decision to expand the division means Barrow Raiders’ game at home to Swinton Lions tomorrow now has a lot less pressure on it for both teams.

The Raiders are seven points clear of bottom side Rochdale with three games to go and this decision means they no longer face the threat of relegation.

However, Swinton still need a win to be certain of retaining their Championship place and Raiders head coach Paul Crarey will not be taking the game lightly.

“I know they’ll be on their game, they’ll know it’s one they can win and we haven’t got to be surprised by anything they come with,” said Crarey.

“We’ve got to match their enthusiasm and more, be patient and grind sets out, and that’s something we haven’t done. If we’re patient, we’ll get our rewards for that.”