That's the major disadvantage, yes.

But the current WCC isn't really played for by the champions either- the team could have completely disbanded in the off-season. I think the Wests Tigers side that was beaten by Bradford was a shell of its former self.



At least the League Leaders' Shield is a champion of some sort (indeed there are folk who say it should be the championship proper).

Correct.



Two weeks is the only way, because of each team's own post Grand Final celebrations, and because of the need to overcome the jet lag of the team that flies across the world on the Wednesday.

Nah. Club rugby switches off after the Grand Finals (some could say all rugby switches off by the amount of interest there is in the international game). They aren't called the Grand Semi-Finals- your WCC would either be a great event and detract from the grand finals, or more likely it would be a non-event that no one cared about.

Which would eat into the international calendar.



You win the SL to qualify for the WCC the year later. Just like in football. You qualify for the Champions League. And the winners of the Champions League qualify for the CWC after that. They aren't all in the same year.

What about

an actual tournament

top 4 super league

top 4 NRL



play in a mini tournament



1st plays 4th

2nd plays 3rd



so going off last seasons standing



1.St Helens v Sydney Roosters

2.Leeds Rhinos v Cronulla Sharks

3.Catalans v Manly Sea Eagles

4.Wigan Warriors v Melbourne Storm



A. 1 plays 3

B. 2 plays 4



A v B

yes very good idea