Exactly, that great Saints team we're only Champions once in that era because Leeds kept catching them in monsoon conditions in October. Totally wrong to have the season decided in them conditions. Its got to the point where there is no use in playing open fast flowing rugby because it was worth nowt when it came to October and you couldn't throw the ball about. We promote 'up the middle' rugby league and that can't be good.

I hope they allow the lads who won the nines at Headingley to parade that trophy. For many of them it will be their last year at Wigan

Agreed. In fact I would go one further, they should be allowed to have the nines trophy included in their team photo for next season.

I don't see why they wouldn't

Agreed, but that doesnt make it 'right' though, does it?
Had Leeds beaten us in '98, i'd have felt utterly cheated out of a title that we'd already 'won' weeks before.
And i'm sure that many Saints fans over the age of 20 will feel the same way about the years you mentioned.
Trying to explain our championship to non-RL fans, usually ends up with nothing but puzzled looks.
Yes, its the system we have. And yes we all know the rules.
BUT, is it fair?
How will you feel if we win the GF? For me it will be just relief again (as '9icon_cool.gif.
Stupid system. Nothing more than a money-making exercise.
Needs changing.
And thats the bottom line!

Ainscough
Thornley
Veivers
Howarth

Anyone else from that team expected to be departing?

Agreed. Definitely should be paraded at HT by those who won it.

Probably Walker and Dandy.

I simply won't enjoy winning the GF if we do. I will just be relieved that we have been rewarded rightly for finishing top. We have never been in danger of finishing in any other position than top since we got there in round 3. When Wire beat us to go within 2 points there was a slighht bit of doubt but they give that much into beating us that they lost to bottom of the league the following week - meanwhile we smashed 4th placed Hull away 46-0.

Joke system to make teams playoff for the right to be champions after a long hard league system. I hope they change but i doubt they ever will. Makes me wonder why I buy a season ticket, and if i doubt it, others will. May end up with attendances decreasing if we carry on.

The old Premiership trophy would still be at stake. I can see what your saying but we shouldn't have a playoff system just so middle table clubs 'have something to play for'
Just like us from 04 to 09, they don't derserve a shot at the Championship with 'can't be bothered' performances all season.

It's great that we've finished top. It shows where we've come from last season, and proves we've been the most consistent team. However, give me the Superleague any day!

Speak for yourself,winning the "hub cap tin pot" is a great achievment!! I personally cant wait for friday and all the jelly and ice cream that goes with it!

It is a brilliant achievement but under the rules means nothing (which as I've said time and again I disagree with but there's nothing we can do)

Would you rather finish top and not win the GF or second and win the GF? I'd take the latter every time.

My jelly and ice-cream is well and truly reserved for October 2nd.

Have Latics not got a game that day?