It is interesting to hear a lot of comments along the lines of "in this new format everyone's got a chance". Usually in after match interviews with Brian Noble for some reason. I was thinking how much more of a chance do Wigan need? They've had one off games to make a GF the last two years.

I agree too. Should always be half or less than half of all teams. That way it's usually only teams who have won more than they have lost.

Bilkos site is very good, although he hasn't updated the positions yet this week, it does give a very good explanation of how it works.

[urlhttp://wigan.rlfans.com/fusion_pages/index.php?page_id=878[/url

It's also very useful for knowing which games are on tv and internet.

Which is point I made when everyone was kissing Salfords hairy a*se when the finished within 'the elite' .

Updated now.
[urlhttp://wigan.rlfans.com/fusion_pages/index.php?page_id=878[/url

Basically gives more of an advantage if you finish in the top 4, only Leeds,St Helens,Hull Kr, Huddersfield will have the week rest in between depending on the outcome of those matches.

Truly excellent work.

seconded

Given that a team only has a choice of 2 teams, likely 3rd & 4th, how embarassing would it be to beat 4th in week 1, then choose them and lose in week3?

Also seems possible/likely that first and second (Leeds/Saints) will play the same sides (Hudds/HKR) twice at home in 3 weeks with a week off inbetween.

Hmmm...

There has been a SL Play Off system in place now for the past 11 seasons.

That's a total of 55 games played with home advantage (+ the 11 GFs)

Play Off's - Home Wins 39 (71%)

Play Off's - Away Wins 16 (29%)

There has yet to be a single season where all the Play Off results went with home advantage.

There have been:

7 that went 4 - 1 with home advantage
3 that went 3 - 2 with home advantage
1 that went 2 - 3 with home advantage

Of course the predictable (?) away win/s may come in the 5 V 8 and 6 V 7 games and week three could still be a less than ideal repeat of week 1 (depending on the pick) but history shows it's all on the day.

Why oh why do we have to mess about with rule and competition changes?

Because we'd be playing 15 a side with lineouts otherwise

TVOC as ever the facts are there and accurate - so perhaps using the word 'likely' was a bit risky.

Still I reckon I may well be right on this occasion despite the numbers.

Quote from John Wilkin on the new playoff system

"I really hate the new play-off format. I have to start kicking the dog when i hear about it because it annoys me so much. I have contenplated suicide because i hate change and wish it would just stay the same. I really, really dislike the new format. "

I had a feeling there was at least one 'upset' each year in the play offs before the final and a quick check backed it up.

We're going from a five game qualifier to an eight game qualifier so the opportunities for an 'upset' are also considerably increased.

It's a new format though so we'll have to wait and see how predictable it is.

I thought the highest place team had pick of all 3?

Quote ="#1leedsfan"I thought the highest place team had pick of all 3?'" Nope. www.engagesl.com/play_offs.php

Quote ="#1leedsfan"I thought the highest place team had pick of all 3?'" Nope. www.engagesl.com/play_offs.php

Quote ="FoxyRhino"Nope. www.engagesl.com/play_offs.php'" Cheers for that makes it much clearer to understand the semis, reading on there basically you win your first round match-exempt from being picked.

Quote ="FoxyRhino"Nope. www.engagesl.com/play_offs.php'" Cheers for that makes it much clearer to understand the semis, reading on there basically you win your first round match-exempt from being picked.

Of course if one of Leeds or Saints loses in the first week, then the fun starts in the other team having the choice to play the other either at home in the semi-final or potentially in the GF.

I don't think Leeds and saints will both win in week one.

Would certainly throw a spanner in the works if Saints and Leeds lost their first round games, every possibility we could have a grand final with two new teams just like Wembley this weekend.

Someone should start a thread.

Things whinging Saints players don't like.

I'll give you three to start with.....

Going to Edinburgh for the MM

Cameras in dressing rooms at GF

Opposition players whooping.

...but the choosing opponents part of the new system IS ridiculous.

Personally, if you're looking for a top 8 format, the NRL works reasonably well. 1st plays 8th, 2nd plays 7th etc in week one, with the two lowest placed losers out. That means the top two cannot be knocked out in the first week but its definitely elimination time for 7 and 8 if they lose, with teams 5 and 6 also jittery in case of upsets. In addition, following that the higher placed teams get the home games automatically.

Anyway, maybe it works because the top 8 are a bit closer in the NRL, but it seems to ensure fiercely contested games throughout the playoffs.

Rain

A play-off system deciding the champions post 2002