The Premiership. No one would watch or go. The clubs miss out on an end of season bonanza as do Sky. Rugby League ceases to exist with in five years.

I think all the excitement leading up to this weekend proves that playoffs are the way ahead. Biggest Derby for 30 years and loads to play for.

From a purely sporting POV, my ideal compromise (because the hubcap is so little valued), would be to divide a 16 team SL in to two divisions of 8 (East and West, say). Play home and away against those in the same division and home or away against those in the other. 22 league games to decide who are Eastern and Western Divisional Champions (a lesser, but hopefully not insignificant accolade) and who qualifies for the play-offs for the Grand Final.
You'd need some way of making up the shortfall in revenue though. Adding another comp would just be seen as a distraction, I fear.

Bit like the NFL then? think thats how they do it isnt it?

Then could have a spin off end of season game with the best of west Vs best of East (War of the Rose style)

People are calling this game the biggest Derby since Wembley 1980 but it really isnt. We have competed against each other in major finals before full houses since then. Biggest in 25 years maybe.

Fair enough, but bearing in mind im only 25 its the biggest game of my life...

Since the HKR-HFC CC final there was the '81 premiership final, the '82 John Player and in '85 the Yorks cup and John Player (again) finals, so I'd agree - biggest in 25 years.

is that right.......?

Yep. I Like the Pro Bowl idea - could be used to help bridge the gap to international standard.

I think they bring a great deal of excitement to the back end of the season, and financially they''re a sound idea for the clubs involved. However I feel that there is insufficient kudos given to the minor premiers. Wigan are the best team this season. Already proven in my opinion. They will remain the best team regardless of who wins at Old Trafford.

Can`t argue with that,as pointed out elswhere,Wigan have got more points over the season,therefore champions.
Maybe if the top eight had a staightforward knockout for a "play off cup",as such.

the playoffs are a good idea for exciting rugby at the ar5e end of the season and a big game to finish on, but the league winners should get more recognition definately. dunno how this could be overcome tho other than the east west idea mentioned earlier in the thread, nfl style, 2 conferences and the two conference champs play in the grand final.

I think that it is strange that this country believes that having the team topping the table as champions is the right way when worldwide playoffs are more common.