Just reading through the Wigan forum they are having a right moan about how well they played this year, finishing top of the league and not been classed as worth winners (due to the whole play off structure). I did agree with them to a certain extent as you can finish 8th (lower half of the table) and yet still win the SL GF! Does anyone think the RFL need to change the play off/ league structure? I personally think they should scrap play offs and have the challenge cup final at the end of the year to stop the competition getting a bit stale! I also thought of a radical idea that would never happen but would be interesting:

League format as usual. No play offs! Winner be crowned as champions. Top 4 off the Oz to play the top 4 in the NRL as a Champions play off League format (or the Aussies come here, changing location every year!).

IMO something needs shaking up because it is a bit farcical. My first post on here so be understanding! Up the FC!

Everyone knows that the Grand Final is the one to win. Wigan won the League leaders sheild for which they received a nice shiny trophy, two home ties in the play offs and their pick of which team to play. They still messed up.

They wouldn't be complaining if they finished 4th, and won it from there.

Personally I like the play offs, it adds drama to the end of the season and gives teams something to aim towards.

always said the league champs should go directly to the final or at least the semis and the others play off for the other spot.
no kudos on winning that plate IMO

Wigan fans thought it was hilarious last year when the same happened to wire.

The play off system detracts from the normal weekly rounds, as teams can afford to lose games, not finish top and still win the competition. Just look at some of Warringtons performances this year. It doesn't really hurt them like it used to when we had a Champion, who finished top of the table.
It's similar to the fact that there is no relegation, as it makes a lot of the games meaningless and takes away the need to win games, which in turn reduces the intensity and excitement.
It seems only at the later play off stages, does the need to win show up as much, as it is knock out rugby.

EVERYONE KNOWS THE SCORE AT THE START OF THE SEASSON, BASICALLY THEY GOT DICKKED BY LEEDS AND ITS JUST SOUR GRAPES FROM THE PIE-EATERS

Besides the fact the Pie Eaters moaning I do think a top 6 would be more respectable. Look how poor Hudds were at the back end of the season and they still got in. I think the challenge cup should be towards the end of the season similar to the FA Cup.

I am a an of the play offs and as has been stated, all clubs know the rules from the off.

I do think it should be reduced to either 5 or 6 teams. It does make a bit of farce when you can finish in the bottom half of the table and still qualify.

I think it should be reduced to 6, I also think it should be the league winners who represent in the World Cup Challenge, as I think a team should be recognized for their consistency over the season.

In my eyes it's like a separate competition, very well done to Wigan, they finished top proving week in week out that they were the best team and they got a trophy to show that. That's where that should end. Next phase is the play offs where the Top 6 (not should play each other to get to the Grand Final.

The Premiership was worth winning in a way that the plate isn't, but the GF is a RL success, so it is something that would be difficult to change.

Basically I agree with berro's best mate, above - adding only that it will only be some Wigan fans. Most will understand.

Quote: voodooroo "no kudos on winning that plate IMO'" Looks a tasty prize to me viewtopic.php?f=35&t=536392&tsmp=1349261453

Quote: voodooroo "no kudos on winning that plate IMO'" Looks a tasty prize to me viewtopic.php?f=35&t=536392&tsmp=1349261453

that wont happen, the rfl couldnt organise a pi$$ up in a brewery, and as for advertising, theyd probably sell the rights to tonys textiles.........
for afew curtains etc for red hall