Because pretty much every sports fan in this country is a football fan to some degree.

How come the playoffs aren't a laughing stock in Australia?

They don't have low crowds, boring games, predictable results over there...?

I think you'd find a few on these boards would disagree with that statement.

Nearly got a full house here on my RL Fan bingo...'joke' 'farce' 'laughing stock' 'what must football fans think of us'' All I need is 'I'm all for expansion but..'

Why do a lot of RL fans feel so inferior? Do you go out and buy whatever is Number 1 in the charts because it is more popular than what you like?

Does that count?

It's the stupid format of the play off's people really hate as reflected by the abysmal crowds at the weekend. You finished Top of the league, won a play off game and you still arn't at the final? God give me strength, what a joke. I watch many RL games every season, always go to Wembley but I want nothing to do with this farce! As for picking your own opponent well the less said the better!

I'd suggest that the vast majority of die-hard RL fans would have trouble explaining the system in use for the playoffs.

I'd say nobody could justify 8 teams out of 14 taking part.

The results are so boringly predictable, and so is the final.

The games are just a pathetic excuse to make money. They add nothing to the competition.

Even die-hard fans can't be bothered coming to these pathetic excuses for games.


WHY IS CRITICISING THE STUPID SYSTEM IMPLEMENTED BY THE RFL SEEN AS BEING ANTI THE SPORT?

The RFL have killed this season for many, reducing the league season to the equivalent of a pre-season tournament, and making the playoffs as exciting as watching paint dry.

And fans are voting with their feet.

WHATS THE POINT TRYING TO COVER UP THE TRUTH?

So far absolutely nobody has defended the system.

All we have is the usual criticism of anyone who dares to question the RFL.

What we have is criticism of the usual mard hysteria and melodrama of people making ludicrous claims, such as "it's made us a laughing stock among non-RL fans" when pretty much nobody outside the sport even cares.

Maybe it's because they don't think it needs defending.

I remember people saying exactly the same thing about the original SL play offs in 1998. In fact, you can guarantee that ANYTHING RL introduces will be met with cry's of 'farce' 'joke' 'laughing stock' etc etc. It must be a genetic response amongst flat earth types.

The current system may well turn out to be the wrong choice and if so, the RFL can admit they cocked up. But for all you know we might have a Hudds/Hull KR final...OK we probably won't but until it is all over why start the wrist slitting?

Which team can get the title by winning two games?

They was only one half decent play off game last weekend as the rest were a pile of rubbish. Leeds Rhinos totally dismantled what has been a rather solid Hull KR side this year.

In fact Leeds shouldn’t have to play the likes in a play offs. In future it should just be contested between Leeds, Wigan and St Helens because they the only good play off teams we’ve had in this country in the last few years. Warrington may join that next year though..

No need for pedantry.

Just answer this simple question:

What benefit did Leeds recieve for finishing a full 7 points ahead of Hull KR?
And do you think this is enough of a benefit?