I was thinking about the various Playoff scenarios, but am not 100% sure of the method for the 3rd round.

Let's assume the top 4 is:

1. Wigan
2. Wire
3. Saints
4. Leeds

First round, I know we would play Wire at the HJ, and Leeds would play Wigan at the DW .... or Widnes If Saints and Leeds win those games (quite possible), and then Wire and Wigan beat their opposition from the 2nd round, Am I right in assuming that:

a. We would get the "Team Pick" as the highest placed qualifier from the first round
b. We couldn't pick Leeds, as they qualified from the first round too - so we could choose either Wire or Wigan
c. The 2 teams who qualified from Round 1 get the home advantage

If that's right, then we could potentially play Wigan in the last ever game at Knowsley Road.

I've heard this mentioned before and it seems to be everyone's dream scenario.

Unfortunately the reality is more likely that on current form we'll lose at HJ then get a home tie to either Hudds or Hull K R then lose that one as well.

Chr1st your optimistic about our chances.

If you win your game and Warrington and Wigan lose then you will get coaches call if i am correct

dont give up on 2nd though as your right back in the mix if you win this and next week

Its being so cherfull that keeps you going then eh!

God!!!!!!!...You don8t think you will be going to OT this October then?

If we beat Wire and Leeds beat Wigan, and then Wigan and Wire go on to win their next match to leave the semi's featuring the aforementioned sides - I would have thought Wigan would get the club call, because despite losing the opening playoff match, they are still the remaining side to have finished highest in the league table.

Thats exactly what I thought!!!

Interesting point,

If they lose their home game do they then lose the right to choose???

Nope!

No

If the scenario was as stated that Wigan and Wire lost their opening fixtures against Leeds and Wire then Saints would have the club pick, and would have to pick Wigan or Wire (assuming those two won their second round games).

The games would be played at Saints and Leeds.

I still believe that the top 5 system was the bast of the play off systems, in that it really rewarded a team for finishing top. I'm not sure the current top 8 system does that.

Yes & Home Advantage

But then that negates the importance of the weekly rounds even more so - the team finishing 3rd would than have more of an advantage than the team finishing 1st?

Makes no sense.