They generally try to give the higher ranked side more rest time between games which is why I'm guessing 1v4th will be first etc. But it's play offs so it's arguable what would be the best game. It's very unlikely now but you could have ended up with Saints v Leeds in a qualifier (i.e loser gets a second chance) but I'd argue that wouldn't be as big a game as say Wigan v Warrington in an eliminator.



On the listings it just says "SUPER LEAGUE PLAY-OFF TBA". I don't think they could announce a set schedule because of ground availability etc. Hull City are at home on the Saturday of week 1 which may rule out Hull KR (or Hull FC if they miracously buck up) playing on the Saturday at home if they finished 5th or 6th for example. I know Rovers don't play at the KC but the police can be funny about such things, especially on a Saturday. Harlequins are also ruled out of the Saturday if they are at home because of the Union side play Saracens. Don't know how flexible union would be around that. The JJB is fine for Week 1.

What if Wigan finish 3rd, get through to round 3 and have a home game.

That weekend Wigan Athletic have a home game that weekend and don,t allow rugby to be played.

Hope the RFL have plans for this scenario.

yep. Kick the cheating toads out and replace them with Widnes

They play at the WMBC Council facility

Well they'll more than likely still be away from home unless both 1st and 2nd get knocked out.

For example (hope this makes sense lol) should either 3rd and 4th beat 1st and 2nd in week 1 they wouldn't get home advantage in Week 3 if 1st or 2nd won thier second chance. Home advantage always goes to the highest league position finish regardless of what happens.

I would suggest though third is well beyond Wigan though. 6 points behind with 12 to play for is too huge a gap.

A more likely scenario could be them finishing 4th but losing the qualifier against 1st. That would put them at home in week 2 when Latics play Chelsea so don't know what would happen then. All if and buts till the time comes.

You sure son?
It doesnt work this way in either the NRL or the AFL system.
If you lose in week one you lose your first place ranking for week 3, like how last year Melbourne lost against NZ Warriors and so had to go away to Brisbane even though they finished about 3 places above them.
As far as I was concerned the 'table' was reranked after every week, hence why your final playoff place determines your prize money so if 1st loses and 2nd wins in week one they become the new No1 and 3rd becomes the new No2.
I could be wrong but all the other McIntyre systems work like this and I think this is the way it SHOULD be

No, but this isn't a McIntyre system. I recall the way the RFL worded their press release suggested the higher placed team would be at home at all times - this harks back to the confusion in the first couple of years of the play offs.

I wouldn't swear on it but I'm pretty sure that home advantage is always decided by league finish.

They won't

I should hope home advantage is given to the team finishing highest. It was a farce that Melbourne had to go to Brisbane in week 2 after finishing top. What was the point of the 24 rounds?

So, if we finished 4th and somehow won away to Saints, would we be in the Final?!

Just realised the answer to my question is no. God that is the most confusing play-off system I've ever seen!