Don't think you can use the CC as an example as they whipped our butts in the prior round.

They may have been poor the last couple of years in the playoffs but they have had some good results in the past. They thrashed warrington and were one game away from the final in 2010.

I can happily use that example, as its their most recent failing in knock out football.

They did destroy us as they have done all season. That's not the point I was trying to make......

One game away back in 2010? Wow.

One game away from the Grand Final in 2010 is indeed correct - the only season Huddersfield have won any play-off encounters.

Can you remember what beautiful position they finished on the SL ladder that year?

I can.

No surprises there

Nope, because most people only remember who wins the grand final not your league position. Hence the worthlessness of the LLS.

[size(but yes, I get your point!)[/size

We get who we get, I would prefer to finish as high as possible. If Huddersfield do crumble, at any point, due to nerves or inexperience it will be most likely in the Grand Final. I would like to see a Hudds-Leeds GF and if Hudds can beat us then that will lay to rest the play off chokers tag.

Or Giants may inherit Saints' beloved 'Grand Final Chokers' tag.

It would take quite a few consecutive GF losses to inherit that!!

It would take 6 consecutive GF losses to inherit Saints GF chokers tag, and it would take 7 consecutive CC Final losses to inherit <erm... insert club here> CC Final chokers tag.

At this point, prior to the end of the Regular Rounds with finishing places still to be decided 4th is almost identical to 3rd (as are 1st and 2nd, 5th and 6th, 7th and 8th) so there is not much in it either way.

If not 1st or 2nd I'd still rather finish 5th than either the two places above. Play straight knock out rugby, start with an easier home fixture with the chance of playing a beat-up opponent in week two.

If any team is looking at their first two play off games as one easy one, and one against a beat up side. Its likely they wont even play the 2nd one, never mind win it.

Who said their week one opponent would be easy?

easy/easier no real difference in this context.

You need to play to your best to win. I dont think we could go up against either of the Hull teams, or Les Catalans, or Saints, or any team in the bottom half of the draw thinking it was 'easier'. All would be capable of putting one over us.

Agreed, and if Saints finish 5th (and they appear most likely) they'll be very dangerous from there. Wouldn't fancy them at home in Week 2 after enduring a beaten-up loss in Week 1.

I wouldn't take Saints lightly in Week 2 if they finished 6th, 7th or 8th either....

I'd still take 4th and the extra life and home advantae if you do have to play in week 2 over 5th given the choice. I think 4th is pretty much done and dusted though.

Discussion about finishing positions is moot. Had any team other than Leedw won it from 5th there might be some merit in discussion. The games are played by players, on a pitch. It is all about who performs on the day and has little or nothing to do with where either team finished on a league ladder. Invariably, during the last ten years, it has been Leeds that have performed regardless of their league placing.