Was the announcement (which only comes into effect if the LLS winners dont make the GF) the highest RANKED team not highest placed League team. Highest rank = highest placed losing semi finalist if required.

Therefore
GF ----- Saints V Wigan, = Saints, Wigan, Wolves
GF ----- Saints V Warrington = Saints, Wigan, Wolves
GF ----- Catalan V Wigan = Saints, Wigan, Catalan
GF ----- Catalan V Wolves = Saints, Wolves, Catalan

A..Top of the league
B..GF winners
C..GF runners up
D..Highest position within the league.

All in that order of merit regardless of who finishes where.

Just been thinking, it would be a real boost if Catalans were involved in the 'World' series.

It would give more credibility to the WCC to have it played between the squads who had actually achieved something instead of taking place as a pre season game with squads that have most likely changed over the close season. Have it a couple of weeks after the season ends with the existing squads.

More common ground
I was thinking exactly the same yesterday
Also how big a boost to have a NRL team or two play over in France.

This idea is still in its early stages. Next year it's basically the standard WCC & 2 exhibition matches, but the end goal is to have a proper mini-league.

At least that's what I can gather from reports.

I want to win the real WCC after winning the Grand Final, but if we're just going to be iinvolved in some third placed glorified friendly I'm not too fussed.

I think the confusion on here as to who will be the third qualifier speaks volumes though. We know it will be the two Grand Finalists and the League Leaders' Shield winner if they don't make the final. If they do though, then I think the RFL have hedged their bets and will choose either the highest placed Super League team or the highest ranked losing semi finalists depending on who that is. If Catalan win then obviously it will be the two in the final plus Saints, and if it's a Saints V Wires Grand Final then the third team will obviously be Wigan as they were second in the table and a semi finalist.

If it's Saints V Wigan at Old Trafford they'll have a choice to make though. Either third in the table - Huddersfield, or the highest ranked beaten semi finalists - Wires. I think they'll put us in it if that's the case to be honest.

The amusing thing is that you probably genuinely believe this.

He probably does believe it but who will he pick for the ref?

Will it be silverdud?
Bent-ham?
Ben Failure?
James just a child?

Sorry I don't have the full repertoire of silly nicknames?

Wonder if Ben Westthug will be fit for the final?

My understanding was that any club involved had to ensure they could finance the match upfront to the tune of £200k, have Huddersfield/Catalan be able to fund this? Not after Friday nights debacle!

Ben Dover in the scrum.

Catalans had almost as many fans on Friday as we took there in 2008.