The RFL yesterday announced the salary cap for Championship clubs in 2016 will be increased to ‘50 per cent of club relevant income’.

The announcement came following the news that Leigh Centurions had signed former Man of Steel and Super League star Rangi Chase after being told they can spend £1.3million next season.

RFL chief operating officer Ralph Rimmer said: “We have listened to and worked hard with all Championship clubs to ensure that the changes we have made are proportionate, sustainable and also give them a better chance to compete.”

Reacting to the salary cap increase, Haven boss James Coyle said: “It’s not going to make a difference to us. Our spending is limited but we are spending within our means.

“I’m given a budget by the board and we work on that basis to put a squad together.

“The board are running a really tight ship financially and there are some shrewd businessmen on there who know what they are doing.

“They have done the best they can to make as much money available to bring new players in.

“The change means that the divide between the bigger clubs and those who can’t spend as much money is going to get bigger. There’s a massive imbalance but it means you have to be smarter about the players you recruit.

“One of the bigger problems is the fact that squad numbers vary so much.

“We saw last year that we struggled when we were missing a few bodies, and Workington Town struggled in their play-off game when they missed a few players.

“If you take three or four players out of Leigh or Bradford’s squad, it’s likely that it won’t change much.”

Town head coach Phil Veivers concurred with Coyle’s comments adding: “It’s an uphill battle. £1.3 million is a lot of money at this level.

“To be spending that amount, it’s not that far off a Super League budget.

“It would be lovely to have that type of money but you can only fight with the fists you are given.

“It’s a conversation I have with the board on a regular basis, looking at players that other clubs are signing.

“It’s tough trying to dig a pot of gold from somewhere but this change does open the avenues for that to happen.”