Hello I know we covered this last year but I am still looking into writing a book about the idea of play-offs deciding the Champions in sport. I was wondering what the opinions are of fellow Rugby League fans on the play-offs. Do you think play-offs are the best way to decide the champions or do you prefer whoever finishes top being champions? And what do you think of the current format? So feel free to voice your opinion again, say whether it has changed or if you missed the post last time, take this opportunity to give your opinion.
Personally I think play-offs are a great concept, sport is about peaking on the big occasion and beating your biggest rivals head to head when it matters.

I used to think the side who finished top should be champions, and in terms of fairness, should still be the case. But if we did that, the season would be over at the half way point for at least ten clubs, and without relegation would make for some extremely tedious matches. Clubs like Wakefield would have absolutely nothing to play for, as the title is out of our reach, but the top eight (this season apart) is a realistic target and I would imagine clubs like Castleford, Salford, Bradford etc fall into the same catogery. We are not as fortunate as football where clubs can also target the Champions League, the Europa League or even survival, and probably need to keep the fans we do have engaged for as long as possible. For those reasons, I am now in favour of the play offs.

and you forgot to add that also we can bend the rules by breaking the salary cap just to make sure that we stay in the league in the first place

Good point but if the season would be finished now and England could have a month to get together and train for the 4 nations would you sacrifice the play offs for a greater opportunity to achieve glory and get back to the top on the international stage?

As far as International Rugby league goes, it makes no difference how long or short our domestic season is. The playoffs have no effect on the four nations whatsoever. That comes down to us being Internationally inept against the Aussies or New Zealand.

As for the original question I realise that playoffs have determined champions. Even during the period when it was the top 8 playoffs for the premiership, clubs still had something to play for. I am neither favour the concept or dislike it. It is what it is, but I will say one thing without the playoffs Saturdays Hull KR v Castleford game wouldn't have as thrilling to watch.

For me the team who finish top after 27 games should be champions we should have promotion and relegation the CC should be the end of season showpiece in May bring back the Sept-May season and then the end of season tour to Oz and NZ could happen as could the Tour to the UK with the top 8 clubs playing Oz and NZ
And before anybody says winter rugby we start the season in 2 of the coldest seasons as it is now.