]well said Ian praising the play offs I guess no excuses from Wigan if they don't win the gf.
Only let down by the predictable choice if Leeds.

I wonder if the choice was left to Lenegan rather than Wane. Is this the death knell of the Club Call.

The novelty ( if there ever was one ) has worn off, every club all has resulted in the highest places winner v the lowest placed qualifier. And so it should be.

I liked Lenaghan's bollax speech about how the NRL have copied SL's play-off system and commended us for it when in fact SL copied the Aussie Rules play-off system with an additional Club Call gimmick and then proclaimed it as unique

The NRL have in fact copied the Aussie Rules play-off system.

I applaud Lenaghan for bigging the sport up. We have far too many critics in the sport who criticize everything about it. Don't think i've seen an interview with Tony Smith where he has something positive to say about the sport.

However i do think the play-offs need to be reduced to 6 rather than 8 so i disagree with him on this particular issue, but it is refreshing to see someone been positive about the sport.

IL is is a self publicist and wasnt going to miss an opportunity to get infront of a camera. he needs to sort them specs out.

Why do you compare a paymaster with an employee. Of course IL is going to big up the game , he pumps in millions. The other is employed.

What I couldn't quite grasp was how choosing Leeds would prevent yet another Leeds v Saints final. If he chosen Warrington he would have guaranteed there could not be another Leeds v Saints final

Could be Lenaghan catching the arrogance trait or short of a few brain cells, or a bit of both.

Or he believes that Warrington will beat Saints.

I think it was more he wants a Wigan vs Warrington final.

Whatever, why people choose to read anything into the brief announcements during 'Club Call' is beyond me. They have to say something, make it sound respectful, tell everyone how good all of the potential opposition is, and then produce some valid sounding yet non-disrespectful reasons for choosing the club they have.

Leeds was always the obvious option. That doesn't mean it's an easy option and Leeds are capable of beating anyone.

If he'd chosen Warrington that would have guaranteed a final appearance for one of the regulars. This way there's a chance of neither of the regulars getting there.

However the real reason for the Leeds choice I suspect is the reason Leeds some seasons ago made sure Wigan and Saints knocked hell out of each other in the other semi - more chance of whichever wins turning up at the final with bits missing.

But it could backfire. Didn't a club call once beat the caller? As Cronus said, Leeds could do it.

What exactly is the point of club call again? Maybe we should expand this concept and be like boxing where you can pick and choose who the opposition will be each week?

Isn't it just an excuse for a press conference media event that [imight[/i stir up some controversy and tension WWE style? Though it is a really stupid excuse all the same, and shows how low we have to stoop for some media coverage.

Or pick your opponents starting 13? Now that would be an advantage to finishing top....