Smith hopes fewer games will also help the England team in future

Warrington coach Tony Smith has called for a reduction in teams in Super League to improve the quality of play.

Smith believes more fans would like to see games with a higher intensity.

"Maybe the reduction of teams and the reduction of the number of games, rather than numbers of both," Smith told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"You get more high quality teams and they play less time and with a higher intensity. We'd probably get a better spectator sport rather than numbers."

Smith was speaking after watching St Helens beat local rivals Wigan 26-24 on Sunday in a match that will be long remembered for its good rugby and end-to-end drama.

606: DEBATE Do you think a bigger Super League is a better Super League or do you agree with Smith?

Super League was expanded from 12 to 14 teams in 2009, but Smith insists the quality of matches could be better if the league were reduced 12 or even 10 clubs.

"I think it would be a good thing for us," Smith continued. "It's tough to spread all the quality players over all the teams at the moment.

"While there has been some upsets, most teams need to play well on their day, but we'd rather see higher intensity games at that sort of level.

"It's hard for the players to do that week-in, week-out, but the closer we can get to it, the better the competition will be and the better it would be for the England players as well.

"I know a lot of people would disagree with me, but fewer games may spell for bigger crowds as well."

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