Quote ="Roddy B"Are you suggesting that every side doesn't play to win? IMO, the entire point of the league is to provide consistent competitive rugby, if every side didn't turn up with the aim to win, then they wouldn't even be competing in the league. The problem with what you say is: most sides can't treat 27 games as play-off games. You make it out as though every side could up their level every week if it meant more, ask most sides and I'm sure they'll say after every game they gave their all, the point of the league is to ask the biggest question of all; are you consistent enough? I personally believe it's easier to motivate yourself and 'peak' for 3/4 games. Futhermore, last year, for example, Wigan were defeated in their first play-off game, but still went on to win the trophy, maybe it's just me, but I prefer the idea pure KO rugby; however, if we were to make the play-offs pure KO, then this 1st vs. 4th and so on would have to be revamped.
For me, even if the RFL/Sky prefer to hype the GF, we as fans should put more emphasis on winning the league, as I believe that's the biggest test for any side.'"
I'm saying that if certain teams weren't fighting for a top 8 finish then there performances would be affected in games against teams fighting for the championship?
If there was relegation then teams at the bottom would in theory have more to play for come the end of the seaosn and may have extra focus against teams fighting to win the championship?
Despite what everyone would like to think players and clubs MUST BE AFFECTED by the scenario of the game in which they are playing?
Bottom of the league, no relegation playing a top 2/3 team end of season and deep down the will to win may not be there as much as if relegation were in place and 1 win could save them.
A team in mid-table would have virtually nothing to play for if there were no top 6/8 or whatever system you want to put in place. Is anyone suggesting that those teams DEEP DOWN care about the game as much if they weren't fighting for a Top 8 place to stay in the competition?
Bottom line is this.
Whatever the rules are at the start of the season every team knows them, you play your games in the way you best feel give you a chance of winning that title and I'm saying that under the current format not every team is 100% completely and utterly bothered about there exact place in that league for all 27 rounds, they're jockeying for position to get as high as possible whilst also having 1 eye on the play offs and making sure that they're ready for the business end of the season. That's when the real business begins and the 1st 27 rounds and how you play them gives you the best chance possible the higher you finish, that's all. Which ever team does that (And Warrington this year quite rightly deserve it) they deserve a pat on the back and some recognition.
HOWEVER
There is only 1 SL Title winner this or any other year
That will be decided on 9th October.
If they change the rules and next year who's top after 27 games wins the SL then that's what all the teams will be aiming to do, until then Winning on October 9th is all that matters no matter whether you, me or anyone else thinks.
