I see what you're saying but do you not think coaches/ players think a loss in the regular season is less damaging now than what it was before the 8 tier play off was brought in. Are you still in close contact with Briers? Would be interesting to hear his/ the players point of view on it.

FWIW, I think Leeds are and would be better than 5th if the old PO system was still in place. Meaning that altho it looks like a team from 5th is good enough to win in the current system but it was un heard of to win it like that from the old PO format.

I think it was Jones-Bucanan who admitted they go through the motions most of the year and only 'get going once they can smell autumn'.

I agree with most of your post apart from this last statement, well the last bit of it anyway.

Surely the lack of value/reward for league position means that (some) games don't mean anything (as much as they should).

I'm thoroughly enjoying my RL, but, don't know how much of that is down to us having halcyon days comparatively speaking,(probably a high proportion) so it is tempered with some concern.

My concerns for the game are hugely tempered by our recent success. But the top 8 play-off needs serious review. For me, only top 5 strikes the right balance between reward for league position and excitement of play-offs (and generally I'm in favour of the GF deciding the champ).

Kick 2 teams out, which will improve quality at the bottom end, and make top 5 more palatable, but keep licensing (whilst licensing hasn't prevented Bradford/Salford issues, relegation threat wouldn't have helped any, and I could argue makes them more likely). Play all team home and away, with Magic weekend-23 games, allows for a later season start, single game over Easter weekend, but Origin series played mid-week. One-off test V France around St George's day (same time as ANZAC test therefore).

Increase the cap, so Union is less of a threat and Aussies might come over. Most radically, I'd look at some sort of draft system to better spread talent around the game-not sure how this might work, but longer term I think something like this is needed. And also look at strategic expansion of the game (look at what the NFL are doing with London-long term planning and patience are required, and on-the-road games a must.

That should sort it all out

Start with Shaun Wane's Wigan side that topped the table last year - as good as any side ever.

Whether he believes it or not we do not need our players of this game showing this sort of view about a game that needs as much positive propaganda as possible. Poor show from a guy I usually like.

Saints aren't cleaning up anymore...Thats why he's moaning...

I don't see what he has said thats so controversial.

His critical points are:

1. The speed around the ruck is slower (this is down to the refereeing)

2. 10 years ago teams were playing in different styles but now a lot of teams play the same way

3. We have had some good stand out moments but overall the last few years haven't been fantastic and we need to get back to remembering its an entertainment industry

4. "A lot of people are reluctant to release the game to the next level" - I took this to mean he thinks the administrators are not being brave enough


I reckon as Warrington fans our views are probably coloured by the fact that the last few years we have seen far better rugby from a Warrington side than we have for decades. But looking wider than Warrington, I think what Wilkin says is right. I don't think the game is as exciting overall as it used to be. I don't think there are as many players around that excite fans, than used to be.

I expect most of our fans actually agree with a lot of this but won't say it because they don't want to agree with Jon Wilkin.

Perhaps after a 50 point flogging in the World Cup semi final later this year we will start to discuss the problems in the game again.

Pretty much just negative rhetoric though, "a lot of people.." blah blah blah, he might as well have been introducing the stig on top gear. He could have easily talked the game up and said how great it was to see Leeds get to a Challenge Cup and Grand Final, along with Warrington, and win one once again. "A lot of people.." think that the league should have less teams, along as its not their club that gets cut of course.

If Saints were winning things he wouldn't be moaning i honestly think its that simple...

When the Sky coverage starts we will have enough of that from Eddie and Stevo "the best Super League ever".

Wilkin is a player, he's not a PR spokesperson for the RFL, the BBC ask him to write an article to give his opinion on the game and it's interesting to hear his opinion. People have a right to disagree with him but it reflects a view from the inside so his opinion is worth taking seriously.

Also I don't see whats so great about Leeds winning Grand Finals and Warrington winning Challenge Cups again? When the same teams win the trophies every year it's hard to believe the line that it's a competitive league and you don't know who's going to win.

You wouldn't get an Arsenal player saying yes its great to see United and Chelsea up there winning trophies.

www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/21063214 So how can the game be improved? Quote We have quite a tight grip on the game and a lot of people are reluctant to release the game to the next level. "We have quite a tight grip on the game and a lot of people are reluctant to release the game to the next level. "There are so many people doing great things in the sport. I think it's a mentality switch that needs to change. "If we can execute the World Cup well - if it looks good on TV, if the coverage is good and we can inspire the next group of young players to play the game - it has done its job. "What we need to do, on the field and off the field, is come up with something that works and stick with it for a period of time. "I want to see the game do well and I'm confident that the World Cup can help. "As a game, we need to get together - schools, amateur clubs and professional clubs - sort out what we want to achieve and move on from there." '" - He wants to release the game to the next level - but offers no views on how. - He wants the game to "come up with something that works and stick with it" but doesn't say what that is. - He says we need to "sort out what we want to achieve" but doesn't offer his view on what that might be. Usual drivel from Wilkin. He's the absolute world champion of talking a lot and saying nothing, certainly nothing with even a shred of positivity. I rememember when Bryn Hargreaves retired cos he could have a better career doing a day job - lots of ex players gnashing their teeth "this is tragic" "we need more money in the game" "something must be done". What? What must be done. How? Appreciate Wilkin is just answering questions but he puts himself out there as the informed player but it's the same old crap. The only reason he gets air time is because he doesn't sound like a simpleton, has an expensive haircut and isn't ugly. As for Sally's "he's just a player". Well, not quite - he's heavily involved in League13, the "rival" player's union. When this clown retires, we're going to hear a lot more from him. Something to look forward to...

www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/21063214 So how can the game be improved? Quote We have quite a tight grip on the game and a lot of people are reluctant to release the game to the next level. "We have quite a tight grip on the game and a lot of people are reluctant to release the game to the next level. "There are so many people doing great things in the sport. I think it's a mentality switch that needs to change. "If we can execute the World Cup well - if it looks good on TV, if the coverage is good and we can inspire the next group of young players to play the game - it has done its job. "What we need to do, on the field and off the field, is come up with something that works and stick with it for a period of time. "I want to see the game do well and I'm confident that the World Cup can help. "As a game, we need to get together - schools, amateur clubs and professional clubs - sort out what we want to achieve and move on from there." '" - He wants to release the game to the next level - but offers no views on how. - He wants the game to "come up with something that works and stick with it" but doesn't say what that is. - He says we need to "sort out what we want to achieve" but doesn't offer his view on what that might be. Usual drivel from Wilkin. He's the absolute world champion of talking a lot and saying nothing, certainly nothing with even a shred of positivity. I rememember when Bryn Hargreaves retired cos he could have a better career doing a day job - lots of ex players gnashing their teeth "this is tragic" "we need more money in the game" "something must be done". What? What must be done. How? Appreciate Wilkin is just answering questions but he puts himself out there as the informed player but it's the same old crap. The only reason he gets air time is because he doesn't sound like a simpleton, has an expensive haircut and isn't ugly. As for Sally's "he's just a player". Well, not quite - he's heavily involved in League13, the "rival" player's union. When this clown retires, we're going to hear a lot more from him. Something to look forward to...