Just a quick question about the play-offs, would the winners of FC vs KR play the losing team from Wigan vs Leeds and Hudds vs Bradford winners face the losers of Wire vs Stains?

Yes.

Which then means Leeds v Hull FC and Saints v Bradford

Final week could be Wigan v Wire and Saints v Leeds

Aamazing set of fuxtures.

If the positions end as you predicted them, then it would be a great play-off series, tough to call any games as you said.

I think the criticism of the new playoff system last year was that teams that didn't necessarily deserve to be playing playoff footie got in because it got increased to 8 teams. If the league got stronger and we had 8 very competitive teams then it becomes a very entertaining system, as you mentioned this year we could have sme big fixtures, but just imagine if Bradford got back to some sort of respectable levels once that muppet leaves for England, and the Hulls continue to improve, then we'll see the true potential of the top 8 playoffs.

I actually got that wrong, its just the highest ranked team plays the lowest ranked. Still amazing fixtures though.

If Hull FC and Hudds both won.

Leeds would play Hull and Saints would play Hudds. Assuming higher ranked teams win.

I don't think it matters in terms of the Grand Final whether you finish 1st or 2nd.

But for me the minor premiership should be given a lot more credence.
It is by far the best indication of who was the best team over 27 games, whereas the Grand Final is about winning 4 games on the trot.

I still think it should top 5 but thats just my opinion.

We could really feel the backlash from a lowered advantage for the team who finishes top. Saying that though the top 2 teams from last year got to the final so we should be able to do the same. But, saints had leeds were playing teams who had overachieved IMO, playing Leeds at home for us would be a different kettle of fish.

My top 5 system would see the top team go straight through to the final with the others playing straight semi-finals midweek having to win 2 games in 4 days to win the GF.

I don't think it matters about finishing top in terms of the toughness of the task, but I reckon that if Wigan were to lose top spot after being in such a strong position and putting so much into the season, together with being knocked out of the cup - it may instil a bit of doubts in the Wigan players' minds.

Still think you'll finish top comfortably though.

But surely in a better position than we have been in for the last 3 years we would have a great chance from anywhere in the top 4.

Absolutely, you're clearly a better team than those years.

This proves for me that we can cut it this year as long as we finish in the top 4, other years we left ourselves too much to do. We have proved we can go to the other top teams away and win.

After the last 3 years there is no doubt that Leeds and Saints will be a threat in the play-offs but like I just said on another thread, I am not sure wire will do well in the play-offs this year despite how great they have been.

Finishing second may have a bonus.

There is no real difference in finishing 1st or 2nd, but you don't give your opposition a possible inspiration by picking them, I don't think there's going to be an easy pick this year.

True.

Tbh no game is a walk in the park anyone can beat anyone proved when Quins beat you and Crusaders beat Leeds.

Whatever the scenario is though, i would much rather play Leeds at the DW than yourselves. Whether we picked you or not, a derby playoff match doesn't need any more inspiration.