A question for all you well informed types out there.

Is the structure for this year's SL play-offs the same as the last two years or has a decision been taken to adopt the version used by the NRL (i.e. 1v8, 2v7 etc in week 1).

I seem to recall reading something along the lines of a change has been made but can't recall whether it was fact or rumour/suggestion.

Sorry in advance if this question's been posed and answered before.

Same as last year.

The NRL has adopted the system we use though, but without the club call.

They need to devise a system that means Saints don't play Wigan unless it's in the final.

Saints could have 3 games to come against Wigan, all away. We're away to them in the last league game and depending on league position and play off results could play the twice in the three weeks after that to take it to 6 Saints-Wigan games this season, 4 at Wigan and 1 at a neutral venue.

I actually liked the 1v4 idea in principle back in the day when 8 was first discussed but having seen it in action I think I prefer the 1v8 system tbh. Hudds were poor back end of last year but they were shafted to a point compared to Leeds' run over 2 games, I think the 1v8 system is a must

How were Huddersfield shafted when compared to Leeds when one of the teams Huddesfield had to play WAS Leeds and at home?

If I was Wigan now and I had the choice of playing Warrington away than Leeds at home or Hull at home then hudds away I know which two fixtures I would choose

As if you'll finish in the top 4

I hope Leeds and Saints finish 7th and 8th and still make the GF yet again. The entire league campaign has become a joke as the Championship is decided by a 4 week cup competition. Only something ridiculous like that would force the RFL to change the format.

The current format gives an advantage to teams in 5th and 6th over 3rd and 4th in that 5th/6th play lower opposition at home to gain momentum and confidence and 3rd/4th either get battered or lose narrowly in a bruising game. Has teams 3rd/4th ever both got through to week 3 under the top 8 format?

Saints finished 3rd last year

Yeah it wasn't fair that Hudds had to go play Warrington away in the playoffs and Leeds didn't have to play @ The Halliwell Jones at all in last year's playoffs............oh wait....
If it was the 1v8 system then Hudds (4th) would of played Leeds (5th) at The Galpharm in last year's playoffs but again that didn't happen either in last year's playoffs..........oh wait....

top 5 playoff.. simple as that

week 1;
A - 2nd v 3rd
B - 4th v 5th (loser out)

week 2;
C - 1st v winner A (Winner to Grand Final)
D - Loser A v Winner B (Loser Out)

Week 3;
Loser C v Winner D (Winner to Grand Final)

Each position is better than the next..

The fact is this year saints could finish 12 points behind wigan in 4th, win at wigan, and they take all their advantage, as we did last year with 2nd/3rd.