London

I sadly disagree with this. If winning the league was the be all and end all I honestly believe the league would be thrashed out between Wigan Leeds and Hudds.

Leeds have played in perfectly, out of the top 4 who would you want to play? Hudds. So finishing 4 is the golden spot in the table.

Wigan v Warrington is a tough match, avoid both teams until you have to deal with them, beat Hudds and walk through.

I agree with your assesment of Leeds.

The point I am trying to make is that I think it's very hard for a team to deliberately go out and lose.

However, it's much easier for a coach to pick a weakened team with the inevitable results.

Also for individual players to play "within themselves" so as not to aggravate injuries etc.

Hahaha I can't believe you think your players have actually gone into games to lose!

London Broncos

Yes I agree.
At times I'm annoyed with the state of RL in England, in other I see the 'idea' behind Wigans season. Blitz at the start, get yourself into a comfortable position (5 points clear) then focus on the CC, this has been the case and proven successful. Next stage; rotate players resting key players so they are fit and fresh for two things, the CC final and the playoffs.
With this try to engineer the best possible outcome for the playoffs, even if that requires losing games (for example trying to finish 4).

Win the CC by having all your top players fit.
Enter the playoffs with all players fit and senior players well rested in order to have an advantage over the teams who have been going hell for leather week in week out (Huddersfield) playing their best week in week out.
By this Wigan should look fresher and have everyone available for the 'business' end of the season.

Can't believe you actually think your team is the best in the league because they're top. Wake up.

Don't think anyone would believe that teams go out to lose. But there are times when you wonder whether a team would give an extra 5/10 % if they knew a win really mattered.

I have no doubts that Huddersfield have been the best team over the season, the table doesnt lie. Just like it didnt last year or the year before. However like the last 2 seasons, we don't know whether the best team will suddenly come good in the playoffs. Until the team finishing top is properly recognised, then we will always have doubts about who is the best team in the league.

Huddersfield certainly haven't gone hell for leather week in week out- if that were the case we would have done what wire and Wigan did previously putting massive points on teams. The giants have played sensible rugby doing enough to secure the two points working on their plays and combinations and getting good understanding between players in our squad all of which will stand us in good stead for later. But if it makes you feel better about your teams poor performances to insist that it was purposeful then go ahead and bluster. To me it looks like its wigan that have run out of steam as now would be the time to put in a good run and get momentum not a bad one.
If the giants had put in the performances and got the results Wigan have in recent weeks we would be accused by you of having a mid season slump- because it's Wigan it's done on purpose! Just think about that one!

Wigan would finish top if Sam Tomkins played every week and was free from injury. The sad thing is players get injured and to say Wigan are a 1 man team is an understatement. Once he's in New Zealand we'll see how good you are as going off this season when he's not played you've been average at best.

The best and most consistent team in SL now sit at the top and that's Huddersfield Giants. No team or individual goes out in a sport as tough as RL not wanting to win or giving less than 100%. It's their jobs and livelihoods and how they make their money to pay the bills.

Wigan by 14-15 points.

Wigan only ever lose tactically. Otherwise, why would they do it?

I don't think anyone goes out to lose but it is possible to be less focused on certain games than others.

Your arrogance is quite breathtaking.

The playoff system is always going to favour teams in form going into them.

The current system also favours positions 1,2,5 and 6.

So lets look at the form. Huddersfield and Sts are the form teams.

Positions wise Leeds and Wigan will be 3rd and 4 th. They will have to be on song in the playoffs to get anywhere . Wigan are paying poorly. With Sam and Lockers fit they may do something. Leeds are not at the races but at least may be fit soon.

All this points to a Warrington V Hudds grand final.

Sadly I'm not sure that Wigan will even beat Hull in the cup final which will be a real shame as the 1985 final is the best game I've been to and the best night out round Wigan after it. Losing to Hull would take the shine off that for me.

Don't appreciate the opening comment. I understand you also have an opinion on clubs and team performances, as do I, but DON'T GET PERSONAL. Stick to the teams/clubs players.