The format has changed over the years, starting with a play-off involving first five, then six teams, eight, four and currently back to six.

Use of a play-off system to decide the Championship brought back a rugby league tradition that had previously fallen out of use.

A similar system was used by the Australian National Soccer League and the A-League to decide its champions.

[1] This change coincided with an expansion of the competition from twelve to fourteen teams following the introduction of Super League licensing.

The format was introduced following consultation and discussion with all 14 member clubs in Super League.

The series lasted four weeks, culminating in the Grand Final[1] at Old Trafford during October.

Preliminary semi-finals: Fixtures decided by regular season finishing positions.