Top eight would be ok if it was a straight knock out.
1 v 8, 2 v 7 and so on.
First week four games, second week two games then the final.
You win and go through, lose and you're out.
If Wakefield had been at Wigan Friday night in a knock out match there would have been 13-14k or more in the ground with Trinity's away following.

At the press conf afterwards Trent Robinson was asked who he thought Wigan would chose in the club call, he replied "us".
That's why fans didn't turn up. We could be playing them again in two weeks time. Now that's the game will matter, whether it's Catalans or Leeds and its knockout rugby.

Although I'd prefer this format to our current top 8, the simple fact seems to be some fans can't afford to potentially pay for 3/4 games in 3/4 weeks. Families are hit the worst and although I'm not affected being a single bloke spending all my money on RL, others who have to pay for themselves, their partner and 1 or more children in a 1 month period, the costs do soon mount up an that doesn't even include travelling to and from the game.

Imagine how you'd feel paying for the family for the last 2/3 games to then not afford to go to the final.

I don't think a straight knock-out game would have increased the home crowd by much at both Wigan & Warrington as no disrespect to Wakey or Hudds, fans would expect a victory for the home side and may think "I'll save my money til next week".

Only way I can think that will draw the crowds is competitive games where there is something to play for and no top 8 system in a 14 team league will do this unless all teams are very evenly matched which we definitely do not have. Therefore the system needs to be changed IMO.

Maybe initiatives like when buying a season ticket includes at least your 1st playoff game, home or away, but by increasing season tickets by the cost of the ticket so revenue is not lost from the prize pool. If your team fails to reach the play-offs, this can be used as discount off next years jersey, season ticket, etc. This then avoids having to potentially buy 3 lots of tickets in 3 weeks making it slightly more affordable come the end of the season. (This would also mean only 3 weeks of playoffs inc GF in whatever format you choose)

And I've still not considered what Sky want either...

Top 7 for me
Top goes straight to the semi finals
2 v 7, 3 v 6, 4 v 5 winners into the semi finals
1 plays lowest winning team.
Too simple?

I'd go back to the top 6 Play Offs, top 8 is far too many teams, & i'd scrap Clubcall, but i'd reintroduce give 25% discounts for ST holders.

Let's go with that

This is idea is the ideal and fair way of doing it.Only problem is,team finishing top going straight to final has 3 weeks off and is likely to get thumped by a battle hardened team.(or that will be the complaint!)

I suggested the same thing on another thread. No second chances would increase the attendances imo and no repeat fixtures either which there is pretty much guaranteed to be again this year.

I seem to remember Leeds getting about 18k+ against Bulls and Wigan in the 2004 playoffs, so low attendances have not always been the case in the playoffs, but thats when people had a bit of spare cash.



Thats a good point but unfortunately giving away cheap tickets is the only way we are going to get the crowds up, in the short term anyway!!

Maybe a cup and playoff season ticket could be an idea. £50 and you get entry into all your teams cup/PO games home or away. If your team does well youve made some money back if they dont youve lost a few quid, its a gamble that could work! Just an idea!