Excellent post. OMG this is becoming a habit

Every teams knows the rules before the season.

It's just the way the cookie crumbles.

Agree the old system was better. But there is still an advantage. The loser of 5 vs 8 went out. 2 vs 3 the loser got to fight on again next week. As said I preferred the old system, but with no religation cannot see number of PO spaces being reduced

Mate you can't just say that. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. At no point did I suggest I didn't want to support Leeds. I'm just suggesting that the system is wrong, and we shouldn't be in a position to play this poorly and be called Champions.

The facts are that we ARE in this position, and if we grab it, then fair play to us. That's not our fault. Well done us. Go Leeds!

What I'm saying is I will feel a bit embarrassed that the system of a 9 month long competition allows a team that's put a Champion-like performance in for 7% of its matches to be called "Champions". What I'm not saying is "I want to support Wigan!".

Please read things properly. Christ... even Gotcha understood it! It can't be that hard!!
[size(Sorry Gotcha!)[/size

I have no problem with that and it's a common mantra that I use myself.

Doesn't mean I have to like the current system or think it has the balance right though, especially as I consider it inferior to the previous format which in turn was inferior to the original format adopted to decide the SL Champions since 1998.

I propose the Bloodbath for this "Official Stalker" role as I think he has the right sort of qualifications. Besides it would give him the chance to get close up with his hero.

Sorry about the wigan bit, I meant no offence. However, I clearly don't share Gotcha's powers of perception. I really don't understand your embarrassment at winning a competition fairly and by playing good rugby [iwhen it matters[/i. Granted, the play off system could be improved but it's inevitable that, whatever the format, every now and again a team that's been less than scintillating through the regular season will win it. Were you embarrassed by any of our three-in-a-row wins?

Don't worry about that one mate. It's a gift. Not a lot of people do.

Bradford were awful for the first half of 2005, no-one questioned their right to win it from 3rd (apart from the salary cap breach )

So, they have a home game against a team below them. Win it and the reward is a week off and another home game against a team below them. Not forgetting the luxury of a 2nd chance.

Had to is the correct phrase. Because there was no second chance. The reward for a win, an away trip to a team above them.

It's OK. Could be better but not as bad as some think. I have much less sympathy with Wigan and Warrington than most. To be fair to Warrington fans, unlike a large majority of silly Wigan fans, they didn't cry and whine about it either.

Edited for accuracy!