Re: Can't win the Grand Final & the challenge cup : Tue Sep 10, 2013 5:20 pm  

Whats quite amazing is that i have not spoken to anyone who agrees to this top 8 system, myself included.

But havent the NRL adopted "our" top 8 play off system and they seem to embrace it with the crowds increasing in size.

Re: Can't win the Grand Final & the challenge cup : Tue Sep 10, 2013 7:20 pm  

wiganrlforever wrote:

Whats quite amazing is that i have not spoken to anyone who agrees to this top 8 system, myself included.

But havent the NRL adopted "our" top 8 play off system and they seem to embrace it with the crowds increasing in size.

Yes that's true, they've adopted our and think its preferable to the old top 8. Most Aussies want to revert back to a top 5 if you asked them. They only changed the top 8 format cos Auckland got to the GF from 6th the other year. If they're not happy with a team from 6th getting to a GF then why have 6 teams are more in it?!

Re: Can't win the Grand Final & the challenge cup : Tue Sep 10, 2013 9:11 pm  

wiganrlforever wrote:

Whats quite amazing is that i have not spoken to anyone who agrees to this top 8 system, myself included.

But havent the NRL adopted "our" top 8 play off system and they seem to embrace it with the crowds increasing in size.

What you seem to misunderstand, is that British RL fans will never, EVER be happy, or satisfied with the product. Instead of embracing it, they focus on the negatives, bemoan it and cause the chopping and changing every few seasons that leads to inconsistency & confusion for both non RL fans and Casual fans.

[DaveO]

Re: Can't win the Grand Final & the challenge cup : Tue Sep 10, 2013 9:37 pm  

Jeff the God of Biscuits wrote:

What you seem to misunderstand, is that British RL fans will never, EVER be happy, or satisfied with the product. Instead of embracing it, they focus on the negatives, bemoan it and cause the chopping and changing every few seasons that leads to inconsistency & confusion for both non RL fans and Casual fans.

You honestly think the fans cause the changes? You have got to be joking. The RFL does not jump to the fans tune.

The reason for the chopping and changing is down to The Fat Controllers inability to leave things alone.

Who do you think dreamt up clubcall? The most pointless gimmick in the whole set up.

I'd also say the fans don't like the current playoff system simply because it's demonstrably cr @p and the majority seem to favour the top 5 so it's not criticism for the sake of it without suggesting a better alternative.

Re: Can't win the Grand Final & the challenge cup : Tue Sep 10, 2013 10:33 pm  

DaveO wrote:

You honestly think the fans cause the changes? You have got to be joking. The RFL does not jump to the fans tune.

The reason for the chopping and changing is down to The Fat Controllers inability to leave things alone.

Who do you think dreamt up clubcall? The most pointless gimmick in the whole set up.

I'd also say the fans don't like the current playoff system simply because it's demonstrably cr @p and the majority seem to favour the top 5 so it's not criticism for the sake of it without suggesting a better alternative.

You don't think fan opinion has an effect on the decisions made about the sport?

Re: Can't win the Grand Final & the challenge cup : Wed Sep 11, 2013 11:48 am  

I would prefer a top of 8 of straight knock out matches.

Hudds vs HKR
Wire v Catalans
Leeds v Hull
Wigan v Stains

Winners progress to the next round, with the highest placed team against the lowest league position available. In theory and going off league positions Hudds should beat HKR but if HKR win and Wire win then the next round match would be Wire v HKR.

Although still flawed, it is better than the current system IMO. Also with a top 5 currently most teams season would be over with by June. I am not a fan of the top 5 as I dont like it when teams get a weeks rest. IMO it is not always a benefit as it is around 50/50 whether they progress or not.

Re: Can't win the Grand Final & the challenge cup : Wed Sep 11, 2013 1:00 pm  

Jeff the God of Biscuits wrote:

You don't think fan opinion has an effect on the decisions made about the sport?

At club level, yes, but not at RFL level. I can't think of any major innovations that were fan-driven, and very few that fans are in favour of. From what I see, the only bodies with any effect on decision-making are SKY, the RFL themselves, and the club chairmen.

[DaveO]

Re: Can't win the Grand Final & the challenge cup : Wed Sep 11, 2013 1:12 pm  

Jeff the God of Biscuits wrote:

You don't think fan opinion has an effect on the decisions made about the sport?

Not in determining such major changes to the play off formats no. Why, do you?

Are we going to get to pick which format for the league and/or play offs we will have in 2015? Where do I sign up to vote?

Re: Can't win the Grand Final & the challenge cup : Wed Sep 11, 2013 1:54 pm  

DaveO wrote:

Not in determining such major changes to the play off formats no. Why, do you?

Are we going to get to pick which format for the league and/or play offs we will have in 2015? Where do I sign up to vote?

I believe fan opinion is one of the major reasons why the changes to the playoffs and/or league structure were set in motion. Obviously other factors are involved, but to deny that the opinion of the fans, and reception to certain ideas has no affect on future decisions is just silly. That's not to say that the RFL change everything on the whim of the fans, but, it is surely a contributing factor.

Re: Can't win the Grand Final & the challenge cup : Wed Sep 11, 2013 2:26 pm  

99.99% if RL fans did not want playoffs to be brought in at all in 1998 and the RFL didn't listen then.

With top 5 playoffs and relegation in a 12 team league, most clubs will have something to play for with at least a couple of games to go.