i think not. They are just delaying the inevitable for the top 4 teams after Rd 23 being the teams to contest the Semi finals. Teams outside of this - positions 5 to 8 never really had a chance to make the top 4 and probably never will in the future

I think they are for the top 5 teams, they are battling to be in the 4 or jockeying for position within the 4, being warrington fans it probably seems a damp squib because theres nothing left to play for. seems a bit churlish of us to complain about because we're not involved, i think its a good system (if we have to have playoffs). Must be exciting for the top 5 and for all the middle 8 teams too.

a lot better than the meaningless games we had last year..

How so, and why not?

Next season there could be just 2 or 3 points plus points difference separating the top eight teams after round 23. It isn't really the fault of the RFL that teams have not prepared well enough for a formula that the clubs agreed on.

Ask the question on any of the boards of the teams above us and they will say Yes there great, ask a disgruntled wire fan who's team have failed and he will say no.

I don't think they're as good as they could have been. Had we had a season most 'expect' from us there would have been 6 with a very good shot at the top four. Add catalan to that list too had they had Carney fit and well. I wouldn't write the format off just yet, I think next year, assuming ourselves and catalan can improve will be much better.

I could see the super 8's being a good concept, just not this year.

I'll lay any bet against 3 points between top and 8th anytime at Rnd 23 next season.

Big step forward as far as I'm concerned.
Even though we won't feature, there have been some cracking games and plenty of drama.

I agree..........Last year it was quite exciting watching Catalan finish 7th then go away to Leeds and knock them out, then go away to Huddersfield and knock them out, and then watch them fall just short at saints...

this year you can feel the pain for them as they travel half way round the world for a guaranteed all.

Even We gave ourselves a chance in the playoffs, with a good close win against our nearest rivals...then away at Cas...and then falling short by four points away to Wigan......

I'm watching Leeds v saints and its in no way shape or form any kind of elite play off rugby .........its .

that said I dont know what the solution is

Indeed. This year's 13 point gap is the second closest ever. The closest was 11. Though it's perhaps the gap between say 3rd and 8th which is more germane to any discussion.

When Leeds make a similarly remarkable run in 201/12 'exciting' wasn't the word used to describe it on this forum.

Cas went into our second Middle 8 game treating it as a final, we turned up with a stinking attitude. Only ourselves to blame for not being in it. Likewise Catalan have their terrible away record to blame. You can't blame Red Hall for habitual underperformance.

The system was always going to need three years of so to bed in. The Middle 8s has been a revelation. As a long time advocate of the Championship it's great to see clubs finally get the recognition which they deserve.