The Super League has announced that Wigan Warriors, Bradford Bulls and St Helens have all been charged with breaching their salary caps in 2006. If found guilty, each club could face a points deduction, to a maximum of 12, possibly ending their challenge for this season’s title.

Salary capping was introduced into Rugby League in 1999 and restricts the amount of money a club can spend on players' wages. At present clubs cannot spend more than 50 per cent of their income, up to a maximum of £1.7m, on player salaries. The cap was set up to ensure that clubs managed their finances effectively, and to prevent wealthy teams monopolising the competition by buying all the best players.

In the mid-80s, a Wigan side containing some of the world’s top stars dominated English Rugby League. By 1995 they had won the Challenge Cup a record eight consecutive times and the league title a record seven times in a row. The introduction of the Super League in 1996 saw the Wigan monopoly briefly broken, St Helens winning the first title in 1996 and Bradford Bulls in 1997. But when Wigan claimed the Super League crown in 1998 the governing bodies, fearing another one-horse race, introduced the salary cap.

'If found guilty, each club could face a points deduction, to a maximum of 12, possibly ending their challenge for this season’s title'

The changes certainly had an effect, especially on Wigan. Since 1998 they have won only one trophy, the Challenge Cup in 2002, and the Super League has become a three-club affair dominated by St. Helens, Bradford Bulls and Leeds Rhinos. The new charges against Wigan, St Helens and Bradford are the latest in a long line of battles between Super League’s elite and the Rugby League authorities.

Last season, Wigan and Bradford were docked two points and fined for salary-cap infringements. St Helens and Hull were also fined, while Wakefield Wildcats and Castleford Tigers were given warnings for minor breaches. This time around the punishments could be much harsher. The penalties for breaking the salary cap have been increased, with a minimum four-point to a maximum 12-point deduction facing the clubs should they be found guilty.

Wigan could also face a double whammy if found to have breached the cap. Last year the Warriors narrowly avoided relegation from the Super League after nine wins in their last 11 matches saw them avoid the drop by three points. Wigan’s late run of form saw Castleford plunge to the National League at a cost of £1m in lost revenue to the Yorkshire side. The Tigers have threatened legal action should the independent tribunal, on July 16, rule against Wigan - a move that could plunge the Super League season into chaos.