Super League's play-off options and what decision means for Hull FC, Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos

[josie andrews]

The play-offs are on the agenda at tomorrow's Super League meeting

On Monday Super League clubs will meet to discuss how best to finish the 2020 season.

The Grand Final is scheduled to be played at the KCOM Stadium on November 27 and a decision about how we get there will be made.

As it stands, a number of clubs have at least two games remaining in the regular season with the top four advancing into the play-offs to compete for a spot in the Grand Final.

However, it has been suggested that the league campaign should be brought to an end this week and the play-offs being brought forward and expanded to include more teams.

A restructured play-off campaign, including five, six, or as many as eight teams will be debated by representatives from every club, while the future of Toronto Wolfpack will also be on the agenda.

With the play-offs in mind, Hull Live take a look at four options.

Nothing changes

Not every club is in favour of moving the goalposts at this late stage of the campaign and they’ll be making the case for sticking by the streamlined format agreed on over the summer.

That would see clubs fulfil the fixtures they have remaining despite some having little to play for, before the top four compete to reach the Grand Final.

League leaders Wigan Warriors, St Helens and Warrington Wolves appear likely to make up three of the top four, while there is some competition for the final spot.

Catalans will be sweating as they still need to play three times in order to become eligible for the play-offs, while Leeds Rhinos and Hull FC are battling in fifth and sixth to stay in contention.

Of course this play-off format would only require two weeks to be completed, but interest from neutrals could wane between now and the semi-finals.

Here’s how the semi-finals would look according to today’s table: Wigan (1) v Catalans (4), St Helens (2) v Warrington (3)

Top five

This format was in place at the start of the season before the competition was condensed and the play-offs were reduced to four teams.

As such, it is familiar for every club and it has the benefit of being played out over four weeks, which would appeal to broadcasters and fans.

The League Leaders’ Shield winners would be rewarded with a bye to the semi-finals, with one team being eliminated every week leading up to the Grand Final.

While it can be dragged out, a negative of this system is that it only requires six games to complete, which might not play into the hands of broadcasters.

Here’s how the first week of the top five format would look based on the current table: St Helens (2) v Warrington (3), Catalans (4) v Leeds Rhinos (5) Bye: Wigan (1)


Top six

This format hasn’t been used in the Super League since 2008, but it would give two extra clubs the chance to battle it out for a spot in the Grand Final.

The play-offs would start with two elimination play-offs, whittling the competition down to four teams before the top two have had the chance to play each other in a qualification match, with the winner advancing straight to the final.

Here’s how the first week of the top six format would look based on the current table: Warrington (3) v Hull FC (6), Catalans (4) v Leeds (5) Week Two: Wigan (1) v Saints (2)

Top eight

This system was used when the Super League was a 14-team competition between 2009 and 214 and is still being used in the NRL.

There a positives and negatives with the main benefits being that it includes nine games played over four weeks, meaning there are plenty of games for Sky to show in the lead up to the showpiece event at the KCOM.

However, in an 11-team competition, the play-offs lose prestige should eight teams be included, with every club but Salford, Wakefield and Hull KR qualifying by the current league table.

Just like in the NRL finals Down Under last month, those finishing in the top four will have an extra life to use should they lose in the first week, while those who finish fifth to eighth will risk elimination every time they take to the field.

This method sees two teams knocked out every week before the Grand Final.

Here’s how the first week would look according to the current table: Wigan (1) v Catalans (4), St Helens (2) v Warrington (3), Hull FC (6) v Huddersfield (7), Leeds (5) v Castleford (8).

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... at-4659286

[Gerrumonside]

Can’t decide what’s best - what’s best for Wigan and maybe just the top 4 playoff or knowing we’re back in lockdown and having 8 teams means more to watch - caught between a rock and a hard place!

[Charriots Offiah]

The top 5 won’t work in the time period left unless the playoffs commence this week or mid-week matches are played. Top 4 will obviously work but some meaningless games will have to be played over the next two weeks. A top 6 or 8 will fit if the playoffs commence after the next set of fixtures. My preference would be for a top 5 competition starting this weekend.

[Firestarter]

It was originally gonna be top 4 so just stick to that with our home tie at dw please

[Charriots Offiah]

I suspect what Sky want Sky will get, especially if they are throwing more money at it.

[fozzieskem]

The season has dragged on far to long,so many knackered players it’s time to get on with the play offs,top 4,top5 top6,top o the mornin to ya I don’t care let’s get on with games that mean something

[Mike]

Does the lockdown affect this? Is pro sport affected?

[benjamaphone]

Does the lockdown affect this? Is pro sport affected?

Elite sport is unaffected apparently, who knows how long for though!

[doc]

Elite level sport isn't affected by lockdown. We should stick with the program we have at the moment as losing any more televised matches might have implications wrt how much money the game gets from Sky.

[Wiganer Ted]

I do hope elite sport can continue.
We'll have to see the legal text on it but shutting down SL & Premier Soccer would be a pr disaster for the Gov't. I can see SL continuing.