From memory, Leeds were the first side from the top 2 not to qualify for the grand final in 2003, when it was Bradford V Wigan.

Saints then topped that achievement by becoming the first side to finish top not to qualify in 2005, when it was Bradford V Leeds.

Other than that, I think it's always been the top 2 who have contested the grand final.

Using the Salford '06 Play Off game as the starting point:

11-03-07..... Bradford 56..... Salford 18
15-04-07..... Bradford 52..... Hull KR 22
30-03-08..... Bradford 50..... Castleford 4

I'm keeping you on your toes today.



I wonder if Bulls can score like that away from home?

didnt Hull have someone sent off in the first 10-15mins when they got thrashed by Bradford?

Think it was a kiwi/aus who played in the second row / loose forward, name escapes me.

Kearney wasn't it

Yes, Stephen Kearney. Was it his last match for them as well?

Personally I think the only two teams that have the potential to in the grand final this year other than Leeds & Saints are Huddersfield and Hull.

If Hull can find that form that got them in their last Grand Final appearance then there a formidable team and a team I really like to watch. Injuries seem to curse that team though.

Huddersfield have just had a head coach that overstayed his stay. But Huddersfield in 07 at the start of the season where just losing games by little points and had one of the best point differences in the league despite been at the bottom of the table.

If both these step up to the plate then yes it will make an interesting top four. But the rest are out of it for me as well although it gives others a chance.

Warrington are going to be rubbish again. Wigan won’t come up with the good at the end of the season and Bradford are on a downward spiral who are dark horses in my mind to not get a SL liesence in 2012 if they keep going how their going.

It was.

I don't suppose it's difficult to remember the referee involved?

Given that it involved a sending off I'd have to hazard a guess at Stevie G.

It's impossible to claim that as a guess given the circumstances behind the question.

Never shy at being the centre of attention our Stevie.

As you've ably demonstrated, teams beyond 3rd and 4th place virtually always find their level in the playoffs, ie out after round 1, so what's the harm in letting them have a little hope?

Is no hope the same as a little hope?

To me it's an extra round of (all pay) meaningless fixtures where the lower ranked team gets knocked out away to a superior side as determined by the regular rounds.

I really liked the old top 5 format (where every place really made a difference) rather than any they've come out with since.