Even Dick Turpin wore a mask. You have to hand it to Leeds, how you can look so unlike Champions for 90% of the season then turn up at the ball and empty the guests pockets of their valuables so many times, takes some believing. I thought Leeds even looked pretty ordinary against us and were totally relying on flashes from their key players....then suddenly It's Wigan and warrington and they outclass them...As Fred Dinenage used to say......"HOW?"

Ask silver wood

It also raise some significant questions regarding the game.
Firstly and this is no dig at Leeds at all, finishing fifth (or god forbid lower) in the league is pretty mediocre stuff, only in RL can it then be rewarded with the possibility if lifting the league championship.
If this ploy is picked up by all SL clubs does it render the first third or even half of the season worthless? Do supporters seeking entertainment not bother with these games? Will season tickets cease to offer value in the future? Will it have a negative financial effect on the game and the clubs?

Did Leeds do it on purpose though?

Personally, I don't believe that Bri decided to throw a series of games in the weekly rounds, firm in the belief that his team would turn over a resurgent WTW, do Catalans at their own fortress, out-Wigan Wigan then go to OT and stick it up the team who thumped them in the CC final.

If anything, Leeds have shown that it's a marathon not a sprint; they've also shown that winning big games is about more than just 'completion,' 'percentages' or any other statistical platitudes that Clarkey might come out with - it's also about experience, team-spirit, bloody-minded determination and a bit of good fortune.

I'm no fan, but fair play to them - they've pulled it off again and contrary to half a dozen threads containing prophecies of doom on the VT, it doesn't mean the end of SL as we know it. It was a great spectacle!

Did they do it on purpose?
They certainly won on purpose, and they certainly peeked at the right time on purpose.
It's the second season in a row they've achieved it, so there is "some" history too.
Certain aspects of the game, as effective as they may be, aren't always in the best intrest of the game though.
My worry is that if this tactic (if it is one) is adopted by others makes a mockery of a large part of the opening rounds of our premier competition.
Already we see the opening rounds of the play offs badly affected by low crowds, will this become the par for the opening rounds of SL too?
As fans we want a spectacle, but that may not be conducive to a good season in the clubs eyes.
1/2 season tickets anyone? If any Hudds fans are reading may I suggest the first half of the season in your case!!

Just been watching game and they got some big calls and also played well. More than likely I will not go again unless the format is changed.

I can't see the problem, all Leeds playoff games have been very entertaining, hard-fought wins and the GF was a great game.

I don't think it will lead to other teams taking their foot off the gas in the league too much, they want to keep that winning mentality and won't want to lose their bread and butter at Cas or Widnes etc.

Jon Wells summed it up for me at half time when he spoke about the difference in the 2 teams as they were warming up. Leeds very serious and focussed while Wire laughing and joking with the fans. Yes you need to be relaxed but you need to be switched on. I still haven't forgiven Atkins and sideshow bob for coming out laughing and joking at the semi-final...

Don't blame the player, blame the game.

Seems a good strategy to me. That said they hardly had it easy away at Catalan, Wigan and then Warrington in the final.

I've never agreed with playoffs settling a season for the main prize. I can accept footballs playoffs for the nearly rans but in my opinion it should be whoever gets most points after playing everyone home and away

It would be a very long and meaningless season for a club like ours with no playoffs or relegation. I don't think we would have sustained crowds of 8,000 like we did without any realistic goal to aim for. And for that reason I think the playoffs are a good for the game.

TBF I think our gates were holding up pretty well prior to the seven in a row.
I concur that life would be less stimulating though.

The top 8 is only a prise to aim for if the fans buy into. I had my doubts that it would provide the buzz amongst the fans but it seems to be there. I think the style we did it may have been more to do with it.

Whilst a 6 or 8 team format keeps the season alive, as it did for us, I can't agree with a system that crowns a team as champions when they finished so far off the real Champion's (Wigan) points tally. If we have to have a play of it would be the top 3 0r 4 for me. Maybe we could have a plate competition for the next 4 or 5 teams to keep something going but, whilst I can't help but admire the way Leeds played Vs Wigan and Warrington, I don't believe they ought to have had the opportunity to pinch the title with a good cup run, which is essentially what this is.

Wigan were rewarded with an easier route to the GF and they failed to get there. Leeds' experience in knock-out rugby is second to none but they didn't win their games comfortably - heck, but for Washy's misfired pass it could have been a very different climax to our game against them.

I think that the playoff format includes too many teams at present (but I'd argue that it makes the lower part of the table more interesting for speccies - the race for eighth was a thriller!) but them's the rules and I've nothing against a team that can knock out Wakey, Les Cats at their place and Wigan and then stage an outstanding contest against a classy Warrington side to lift the trophy.

Not sure I can handle another Kevin Sinfield speech next year though.