I didn't go to the Catalans game because it didn't matter if we lost. I will go on Friday because it does matter. I suspect many will feel the same.

That'll be clearly the obvious outcome, they're just too blind to see it. I was on my own so 1 ticket was all that was needed, but taking a family with a potential 3 more games to play, looking at couple hundred pounds, for like you say, a pointless, on tv, game.

Fans won't pay for what was basilcally a friendly.
Whether either team won or lost it mattered not!
If we want better attended play off games they all have to be competitive.
I do believe in the top eight concept as or top 5 or 6 would mean that six or seven clubs who would never make it that high in the league go a whole season with nothing to play for or aim up at.
I'd go with the top eight with the 1 v 8, 2 v 7 etc. so in the first week eight teams, second week four and then the Grand Final.
All seven games would be meaningful where if you win you go through and should it be a loss then you're out!

The RFL/SL want to know how to overcome the season ticket culture. The answer is provide competitive games that people want to watch! Trouble is all these kind of decisions are taken by people who don't pay to watch.

Clubs need to realise that the fans that pay for a season ticket are being taken advantage of with teams resting players and deliberately taking a "does it really matter" view regarding the regular SL fixtures. One of the top brass at Wire said before the CC final that the club supported Tony Smiths rotation policy during the season. If fans pay for a season ticket then the least they can expect is that their team turns up for all home games. Leeds have a habit of turning up for the big games but fans are then being subjected to some pitiful performances when the players feel they do not have to perform. As mentioned on other posts on the subject if fans decided to pay on the gate and take the same views of the clubs and stayed at home when they know it is an easy win or they know that players will be rested then the clubs and RL headquarters will take notice.

Fans can decide do I pay for a season ticket and go to some meaningless or uncompetitive games or pay on the gate and save money for the CC and play off knock out games

I saw this differently and hence attended, if we lost to Catalans (assumimg we then beat Hull) we would have 99% certainly now faced Wire away (or Saints if Wire had won). Leeds at home is not easy but I think preferable to alternatives. Therefore the Catalans game was important.

I guess we all see things differently

I am confused as to play-off attendances - last year vs Saints crowd for Final PO was 2,000 less than earlier league fixture.

It's most likely because everyone has to shell out for the playoff game. Wigan have, what, 10000 season ticket holders who all count towards the crowd for the league match. For the playoff game to have a higher crowd, all season ticket holders first have to decide to pay again. Not all of them will be able to afford either the time or the money, especially if they have one eye on buying Grand Final tickets a couple of weeks later.

Attendances will only increase if one or more of the following happen:

1) The playoff format is changed (get rid of 2nd chances)
2) Include one playoff match in cost of season ticket
3) Increase cost of ST and include all PO games (except GF)
4) Reduce PO match ticket prices
5) RL fans start putting their hand in their pockets
6) Possibly, if the CC final is moved to May/June

I think a big problems is that supporters pay best part of £250 (may be more - I've forgotten) for their season ticket, and then are asked to pay top whack for the playoff games. Gemma and I paid £42 between us just to attend the Catalans game, which I feel is a lot for a relatively unimportant game. When you socialise with other supporters too, as we do before and after games, then that figure doubles.

My own view is that a lot of supporters will 'take or leave' the first playoff game purely down to the high cost/importance comparison, especially as the game is also televised. If you're in the top four, its not the end of the world if you lose, and if you're not in the top four, then the chances of making the grand final itself is minimal, so it's not surprising people don't go.

If, however, season ticket holders were entitled to pay, say, a tenner for that game, then you'd see attendances jump I'm sure. However I'm equally sure that this is an issue for the individual clubs, rather than the RFL.

Forgot to say earlier. I wish people would stop whinging about the playoff system. It's fine, and it works. What Ian Lenegan said at the club call press conference was right.

Round 2 playoff attendances seem to suffer as well though, even though for the top 4 team who are receiving the 2nd chance that is actually a knock out game, as I think a lot of the supporters who went in week 1 don't want to pay again for a game they are expected to win. It also means potentially paying for up to 4 extra games, which is a lot to ask for a lot of people in such a short period of time. I know this was my opinion last season, I went to Saints at home, never bothered with Cats and then went to Saints away.

Looking at the figures I think a lot have the same view:

2010
Qualifying PO (week 1) Wigan v Leeds 12117
Elimation PO (week 2) Wigan v Hull KR 11133

2011
Qualifying PO (week 1) Wigan v Saints 12893
Elimation PO (week 2) Wigan v Catalans 6790

2012
Qualifying PO (week 1) Wire v Saints 10190
Elimation PO (week 2) Wire v Hull FC 7323

In all those instances the 2nd game should be the "bigger" game as it is KO, but all have had lower attendances than the 1st week where there is a 2nd chance.

You're about the only person who I've seen who has that opinion.