Salford could be deducted points tomorrow that would help are push abit try to get into the top. I suspect they will probably get at least 6 points deducted, but we shouldn't have to rely on things like that to climb the table

In our present state, I'll take any advantage given.

I doubt leeds will beat huddersfield away from home back to back. 1 win at best. If that is the case i'd take the league win. Leeds aren't good enough to get anywhere near silverware this season, a reality check is needed in that regard for those that would take a win in the cup. 2 points in the league is more important, leeds primary goal now should be avoiding the middle 8's. The middle 8's would not be easy, one bit. We'd have all the SL teams we've already lost to, plus championship teams playing their biggest game. Imagine how fired up they'd be playing against last seasons treble winners. Then imagine how non plussed some of our players would be, playing games that they believe are far beneath them. Not to mention the loss in revenue and damage to the teams psyche.

I want us to win every game failing that then at least show some positive signs of improvement.
The CC is still a very good trophy to win imo & winning that making it a 3peat would be special given the tough year we've had & imo the inevitable failure not only to reach the top 4 but top 6.
Im still not convinced we'll make the 8 the way we are defending & continually picking up injuries.

Would rather win the league game but their is some positives of trying to go for the cup. IF (and I accept its a big if) we were able to win the cup again it would be a good boost for the team going into next year. Trophy less this season and if next year too then people start to ask if they can win anything without Sinfield and Peacock. Get a piece of silverware as quickly as possible post-Sinfield then it helps moving forward into 2017.

But...going by the last 2 years, if we were to win the cup again that could/would have a massive negative impact on our middle 8 campaign (if the latter were to happen of course. If we did sneak into 8th then it wouldn't matter if we lost a few pre/post Wembley, given we'd likely have no or little chance of making the top 4)

The only thing that matters here is avoiding the middle 8's - that would be a financial and marketing disaster this year and next.

The CC is an unnecessary diversion from the job in hand. I would sacrifice the CC early to concentrate on making the top 8. This is achievable given the last 7 fixtures before the split.

I take Printer's point about getting the monkey of the back but I think its nice to have not a need to have.

Let's take it to a vote. This is obviously hyperthetical.

Would you prefer us to;

A) Finish 8th
B) Win the Challenge Cup & finish in bottom 4

B

Option B.

B

B

That's what the next Scottish independence ballot paper will look like...

Would you:

A: Like to be free, rich, and fully subsidised by the EU and the vast wealth of North Sea Oil.

B: Be a poor, downtrodden, miserable butt monkey of the chinless English b*******s forever.

B

After all I can't see the Rhinos winning another league game this season

We will have to beat more than Huddersfield to win the CC though.

Cup win or Top 8 finish with no chance of making the four?

Cup win every time. That new South Stand isn't going to pay for itself, and the £500k or so that a Wembley trip generates would do quite nicely.

Didn't you say that after the Cas game last season Phillip? I recall that didn't work out too well for you

A - Maintain our status as one of SL Regular Rounds everpresents alongside St Helens, Warrington and Wigan - the only option that allows Leeds to seek to maintain their SL Era Play-Off everpresent tag alongside St Helens although unlikely in 2016 - perhaps even for both teams.

I'd also like Leeds to win the Challenge Cup this year but to do that they will need to win a game away from home - something that has proved beyond them this year and not only when wearing the changed strip.

The monies from the cup will only partially plug a large hole left between a 4 home games against the likes of Batley, Leigh etc compared to Wigan, Warrington etc plus the knock on effect into next season.

As you quite rightly say the SS will not build itself.

I can't see either happening tbh - no way Leeds wont make the 8 and I think other stronger teams will be too good come the crunch time of the semi and final

True we have struggled post Wembley before, but in the hypothetical scenario of reaching Wembley & Middle 8's then whoever we face afterwards isn't exactly the same as having Saints 6 days later and then Catalans away like last year.

Hard to really know right now how significant the knock on effect next year will be as any potential coach/squad changes (or lack of) will be important in fans decision regarding next year.

McDermott stays with pretty much the same squad then tough to see people rushing to snap up ST's.

A new coach that people like the sound of and a couple of signings that look good could see people writing 2016 off as a bad year and prepared to comeback in 2017.

Spot on, they've had 6 points deducted. I'm sure this won't be the last of the matter though. I can imagine some of the Championship clubs would've wanted them to start the Middle 8's with a a deduction also.

That news improves Leeds chances of scraping into the Top 8 somewhat. A few more breaches of the Salary Cap between now and Round 23 and who knows?

If GH isn't already planning for a worst case scenario (by that I mean no cup win and either meaningless Super 8s or Middle 8s not relegation) then he's not doing his job.

Playing wise unless we dump some players he probably doesn't have much room for manoeuvre - the loss of Achurch would probably only enable Leeds to pay Ferres more, which means the only position would be hooker assuming Falloon is released.

Option B for me too.