The only problem with the above analysis is saying that the problem of low intensity is down to the top sides. Its not - the problem is the general direness and simple lack of 80 minute effort by the 'lower placed' clubs in far too many games. IMO that in turn allows 'better' teams to coast too often, and even throw the towel in themselevs too early.

Its ridiculous that players and fans consider letting in even 30 points on a regular basis as somehow reasonable.

You get bigger scores in the NRL than we see in Super League each week. What's the reasoning for it over there?

Not sure that's correct - there are certainly more close high quality games here than SL. Part of the problem though is the same issue - e.g. the Eels this year have rolled over the minute they've gone behind in every game, and the Tigers have looked like they've been going through the motions as well (led by Marshall who seems completely unwilling to put his body on the line in attack or defence).

But I also have a feeling that ATM the entire game itself is slightly off kilter. Not sure exactly if I could put my finger on the reasons, but it seems to me that unless both teams are near equal in ability we see blowout scores which in the past could have been prevented by simple effort.

In general it seems that teams are rewarded far more for zero errors than taking a chance. If I was a coach I'd never want my players to try to charge down kicks or try a short kickoff or chip and chase unless desperate for example.

So I do think some rule changes are in order - given how good kickers are nowadays I think we should consider rewarding defences more for diffusing kicks in goal by giving the defending team possession for all kicks diffused in goal from within 20m, and possibly look more radically at issues like 5m instead of 10. I'd also definitely allow stealing in the tackle of all kinds to come back, allow defenders to strike for the ball at the PTB and treat charge-downs as not having been touched by the defender (i.e. if the attacking side gets the ball back the tackle count doesn't restart). I'd also lose the whole voluntary tackle cr*p.

Probably most of the above would be disasters, but I think a thorough review of the rules which really affect the flow of the game might be needed sooner rather than later. We tend to see individual rules tinkered with which have unexpected consequences some time after they are changed, rather than look at the game in its entirety and then properly test out rules over time.

@leedsrhinos 9m
Brian McDermott confirms to press that Brett Delaney and Joel Moon are both out for 2-3 weeks, Ryan Bailey ruled out for this week also

On a positive front, Danny McGuire could return inside a month after making great progress, JJB also about 4 weeks away

Mac says Elliot Minchella in with a chance of making his debut this week at Salford, 19 man squad announced at 2pm

In other words, with fourth place virtually assured and little chance of catching the top 3, this is a good time to rest anyone with a niggle or two ahead of the playoffs...

Or rest some bodies which have played alot of game time and games so far this year (Moon and Delaney fill the bill)

If Moon is out, that is a bit of a blow. Hope they put Ablett back there. He hasn't been performing with any great shakes in the back row lately, and other than switching Hardaker to centre there is no other option worthy.

So we should probably see most of our team back together for the final away game of the season at wigan as a warm up for the playoffs.

Sounds good to me.

Its slightly different for me, but I used to make the trip up from Nottingham on a Friday evening to watch a game at Headingley. It was always a hassle as the M1 is a mare on Fridays. These days though it doesn't even feature as an option. The 2+ hour drive with no tea, and late night return to Notts is not worth it for a game which offers low entertainment and intensity.

Rule tweaks could provide an answer. The problem with RL is that any weakness in a team can result in a very big score. The margins are very small. This not only affects top level clubs but those further down the league structure. It can be hard for new players / fans coming to the game to understand that a 50, 60pt loss is the result of only a few weaknesses

The squad in full is:

1. Zak Hardaker
2. Ben Jones-Bishop
3. Kallum Watkins
5. Ryan Hall
7. Rob Burrow
8. Kylie Leuluai
9. Paul McShane
10. Jamie Peacock
12. Carl Ablett
13. Kevin Sinfield (c)
16. Ryan Bailey
17. Ian Kirke
18. Chris Clarkson
21. Richard Moore
22. Jimmy Keinhorst
23. Brad Singleton
26. Liam Sutcliffe
30. Alex Foster
31. Elliot Minchella

I think it may be Foster and Minchella missing out of that line up if Brad is fully fit, if he's still waiting on fitness and fails then Foster in for him. And likewise Bailey in or out if also waiting for late fitness test, but think one of Brad/Bailey will be in team, coaches wouldn't keep two players in the squad on a maybe can play basis???

Bailey's definitely not playing, and Minchella will play if Foster doesn't pass his fitness test

yes keinhorst hall partnership has been terrible has it not maybe count their games and try ratio