As previously stated, congratulations to Wigan on an excellent season and coming top (can't see them losing it now). Congratulations also to the Wire also as going from 10th last season to 2nd the next is no mean feat.

One thing I do find really disappointing is that the team coming top of the league only get a league leaders shield which isn't seen as anything special and isn't really classed as the acheivement it really is. It's still possible for us to win both of the main trophies of the season which in fairness could only mean playing winning 8 games - 3 to win the Grand Final, which is the supposedly the pinacle of the game - surely this isn't as great an achievement as finishing top of the league!

I'd happily take second now as would every Wire fan. As said, you don't win nothing for finishing first apart from the Catherine Wheel. I'm not sure if there is any difference to be honest, only if the first team progresses they will get the "club call" because they're the highest rank.

Yes we choked big time at the DW Stadium. Balloon.

Quite frankly I would rather Warrington entered the GF as underdogs, we wear the expectation better.

Agreed Mark. Pressure is on Wigan now if they win the Catherine Wheel. Winning it, would mean nothing if they didn't go on to win the Grand Final, nobody remebers the hubcap winners, only the Grand Final winners.

This has been debated countless times here. Please remember that for at least 80% of the history of top-flight RL the champions have been decided by a play-off of one form or another. A straight wendyball-like league placing contest has only been run occasionally for a few seasons before a knock-out decider has returned.

If it was wigan v warrington in the final i dont think either team would be an underdog, and i hope it happens as i can see it being the best final yet. also a much needed change from the usual saints and leeds final

Why the congratulations,is not over yet.

Can I have some of that stuff you are taking?

Even as a usually pessimistic Wigan supporter i'd say it's over to be honest. It's not just the 4 point gap but the fact that the points difference makes it 5 really. We need to win 2 games to wrap it up and I honestly can't see us losing 3 games out of the last 4 after losing only 4 out of the previous 23.

It means little to be fair though and the plays offs look like shaping up to be the best in a very long time. I honestly can't split any of Wigan, Wire, Saints or Leeds and to call the winners or even finalists is almost impossible.

It should be fun

Some sanity for once.

Its already been said that a Wigan-Wire GF would be good for the game. Even a Wigan, Wire 1-2 in the league is a good thing.

Wigan v Wire would be the greatest grand final of all time without doubt.

Yes Wigan have been far more impressive game on game than we have but remember that if we had beaten them at home then we would both have the same number of points. The difference between us is minimal

And if they'd have beaten us at the DW they would be getting the silver polish out of the cupboard as we speak! As things our Wigan are 4 clear and likely to finish top. They have been most consistent and deserve that place although I do agree that the gap between Wolves and the "big teams" has definately closed even if not quite disappeared.

As far as topflight RL being mostly decided in aplyoff basis, prior to Superleague my memory is that the CHAMPIONS were decided by who finished top of the LEAGUE TABLE. The premiership was a separate competition and in fact being LEAGUE CHAMPIONS was seen as "the thing" to be.