That confirms how stupid it was. Thanks.

Watkins is out for the season.

My point wasn't about season ending injuries though. We seem to have revolving door to the treatment room this year. No sooner do a couple return than another 4 get injured.

And for the record, even though we have benefitted from the play off system, I still think the Champions should be decided by a home & away league.

We don't have that so the GF winners are Champions whether they finish top or not but as a principle I prefer a correct league system to define the Champions

Despite the financial injection it gives the game?

Despite the continued proof that the best team in the season usually wins the GF?

Despite the fact players it sorts the grandstanding, show pony wannabe players and teams?

Despite the fact it commands a large TV audience as a finale?

Despite the fact it attracts the largest attendance on the SL season?

Despite the fact it generates spectator excitement and watchability after a season of Quins v Wildcats type fixtures?

Why? There are countless other team sports that employ a league system followed by a playoff at the end of the season to crown their Champions. Including, for the vast majority of it's existance, the Rugby League.

No, surely much better to hand over the trophy on a Sunday afternoon in April infront of 2500 at Swinton. Just like in the 80's (although not to Leeds obviously).

And whilst we're at it, away with that fancy Challenge Cup thing. What's the point in that knockout game malarkey? I simply want it to be determined by a fans vote for the "most stereotypical northern town"

William Hill already have Featherstone as 7/2 favourites for 2011, with Doncaster, Workington and Wath Brow Hornets other early showers.

1999, 2000, 2007 & 2008 - a few times it's been won by a team which didn't finish top.

Don't get me wrong - I understand the benefits to the game of the GF system. There's also nothing to compare with winning the title at OT. The buzz on GF night is incredible

As a principle though I think the Championship is by definition a season long achievement. That doesn't mean to say that I'd want us to change back

We don't follow that principle and so whoever wins the GF are the Champions

And I love it when it's us!!

And for the record, I never said that I thought a home & away league Champions system was better than the GF system. I said in principle I think that is the definition of a Champion team. In practise RL and other sports operate a play off system successfully.

It is a quandary because I fully appreciate the benefits of the play off system but I believe a Championship is defined by a season long effort

For atmosphere and excitement OT in October cannot be beaten and financially the sport would be foolish to walk away from it

And yet again this forum proves that you aren't allowed to express an opinion without it being blown up out all proportion and twisted into something it's not

For that reason I'm out

Sadly, not in this sport .... That might be how other games like wendy-ball want to decide it, but not RL.

How do you think the 'champions' were decided in the period between the conception of the game and 1972-73 ?

I've give you a clue, Leeds finished top of the league in 72-73, but were they crowned champions ?

The only difference is these days, the last game at the end of the season is called the Grand Final, rather than the Championship Final.

Usually the response of someone who doesn't like having their opinion challenged. If you cannot handle your opinion being challenged without throwing a hissy fit and declaring you're out then it probably is best if you do actually do go rather than just attention seeking.

the Grand Final has been played since 1998, the fans are used to it, the players are used to it, so why change it?

Not according to the Leeds coaching and medical staff.

Leeds haven't declared any of their 1st grade squad members out for the season at this point as far as I'm aware.

Mike Stevenson did state Matt Diskin was gone for the season recently although like most of what he says I attached little relevance to the comment. Fortunately for Leeds they have Buderus available to pick up the slack when Diskin's ageing bones let him down.

Subtle

There are many reasons why the Grand Final shouldn't be scrapped now, but everyone being 'used to it' is not the best one to be honest.

Could have used a better term, however its now the show piece event that players know what they have to work towards

What are the scores, George Dawes?

He's a baby, he's a baby.

Welcome to Shooting Stars.

Well you'd be wrong then wouldn't you!

JJB on Rhinos webstie: [i"When people say we're not going to win anything it inspires me. When people write us off and doubt us is sometimes when we are at our strongest. You'd be mad to write a lot of these lads off. Don't get me wrong there are some good teams out there who are playing some great rugby, but we've still got some good lads in our side and a few tricks up our sleeves so there's still a lot to play for."[/i

Just a coincidence? I don't think so.

When will JJB start to show that he is inspired? How much more writing off does the team need to start to show what they are capable of? All I see is the same poor performances week after week.

Fanatical supporters (I used to be one once - when I had little else to occupy my time) wonder why others pick and choose their matches !!

It's obvious the players are largely picking and choosing which matches they want to 'attend' this season...so why should the supporters not do the same ? No doubt they will be there for the CC semi....so I will be there too. However, they might not all turn up for the Wigan match this Friday, so I might choose not to be there either.

The general lack of form over the whole season and the inability to stick together a run of good performances on the bounce suggest to me we'll have a good shot at the CC but not the GF this year. Having said that, the team may well surprise me again. Which wouldn't upset me very much.

4th in the league and the CC semi coming up in a couple of weeks - I think you're setting your expectations a little high don't you?

Do you really expect us to be topping the league year in year out?