I think Wigan were very keen to finish 1st.....that is until it looked most likely that Leeds would finish 4th and they then 'conveniently' had a slump

Agree re Hudds. They look the real deal at this point.

I still have no preference when it comes to playoff opponents. To be the man you have to beat the man.

No Nathan Brown now ... Anderson doesn't seem to tolerate backsliding.

I haven't actually said that Huddersfield will implode. In fact I said it could be their year. What I was asking for opinions about, was that would Huddersfield be a better option than Wigan or Warrington away ? The implode that you mention hasn't happened, what they do lack is big match experience in grand finals and that possibly is a factor in Leeds` favour.

How much big match experience did Leeds have in 2004? There isn't many teams that can match Saints big match experience, how did that go?

You have to start somewhere. Hunger, desire, and work ethic, other than ability, are what makes you winners or losers.

I think it's warranted until they produce the goods in knock out football.

They have been consistent all year, but as time had it crumbled against Warrington in fine style in the CC.

They have a massive monkey to get off their back (as Leeds fans we could relate to that for some time). They are finally equipped and this year is all set-up and they have a great chance of competing in their first GF and first possible SL title.

The above paragraph says it all, covered with 'chances' and 'possibles'. Let's see what they produce when it really matters.......

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.