True, but they did have to beat St Helens, who'd already played Wigan twice and beaten us twice. Leeds' run to the final last season only looked 'soft' because they had to play Huddersfield in week two, who were a spent force by that point and were on the back of a 47-0 thumping at Warrington. They still had to beat 8th, 4th, 1st and 3rd (who'd beaten 2nd twice) to win the trophy, with no second chances if they lost, and only the first game at home.

Even so, what we've got at the moment doesn't give enough advantage to the League Leaders, IMO. The only advantage of finishing top rather than 2nd is Club Call, which is a dubious advantage anyway. Warrington not making the final after finishing top and winning 50% of their play-off games last season showed it up as flawed. I'd go with the 5-team system, though the scrap for 8th place at the moment is providing some entertainment.

We could only just fill the DW last time around though. Unfortunately, big RL crowds died with the invention of Super League, but don't let Sky hear you say that.

Whichever play off method we have, the team that finish top should go straight to OT.

Only just realised that we could end up with Catalan at home in week one, lose to them and end up having to go to France for a semi final two weeks later.

That'd be doing it tough.

To be quite honest I would be happier going to Wigan in the play offs rather than Warrington on there current form. Last year we lost every game in the regular season apart from Magic weekend that was a draw???? And come the play offs we won twice which shows we are capable. Cant remember if that was last year or the year before. I cant see this happening and Im praying Mike Rush see's sense before the play offs and plays Tony Puletua in the front row ahead of Anthony Laffranchi. This is a area we seriously struggle with against teams like Wigan and Warrington. The forward battle will be immense whoever we play.

With Catalans winning today they have overtaken Leeds into fourth place.

Next week's games.

Catalans v Bradford
Hudds v Leeds
Wigan v Saints


If we beat Saints and the Dragons also win, then it will be Wire v Catalans and us v Saints.