Peacock needs a week off as he is struggling with a back problem. Might be tempted to give Hall a rest given the amount of time he's played injured this season, it's not like we don't have cover for the wing now.

Opps, you edited after I quoted.

The Club Call only applies to the team that finishes in 1st and only if they win in week 1. If they lose they lose the club call and have to go away for the semi final (assuming they win at home in week 2). The two sides that win in week 1 get a home draws in week 3.

The week 1 winners earn home advantage in week 3. The highest placed week 1 winners gets the club call choice between the week 2 winners.

If Leeds win at Wigan in week 1 they cannot earn the club call choice but they cannot be the subject of it either.

Glad you understand it TVOC - I think they should have something simple like erm... erm... erm... ah yes, a straight knockout competition between the top eight, 1v8, 2v7, 3v6, 4v5 or would that be too simple?

Ah right, my bad, i misunderstood how clubcall works i think

Too complicated for me, I've given up trying to figure it out. I find the element of uncertainty re who we'll play is quite exciting, a bit like the draw for the CC.

It would help if the play-off system was on the Super League website, then maybe it would be easier to understand...not much to ask, surely?? Jeez....

Rest Sinfield, McGuire, Burrow, Peacock, Lauitiiti, Hall and a few others if you wish. I'll not be complaining.

Much too simple although that was Premiershiptastic for around twenty years between the mid 70's and mid 90's.

I don't like the new system and still think the best format remains the first one adopted in '98 with the top 5, where each place mattered (although 3rd turned out to be a bit of a bogey spot.)

With the increase to 14 clubs and no relegation though I accept that the play-offs had to be extended to keep interest going.

I'd play

Webb
Donald
Delaney
Smith
Hall
McGuire
Burrow
Leulaui
McShane
Bailey
Jones-Buchanan
Clarkson
Sinfield

Lauititi
Eastwood
Burgess
Ambler

Heading into a final you want to build some momentum. You also want to give your key players in the middle of the park, who haven't played together much lately, some more time to get back into the groove.

Strongest available 17 should be selected IMO - although where possible key players could be given some bench time during games.

I think at most 2 rested, or given much reduced game time. Bluey will have 15 of the starting 17 sorted I'd imagine. people like Diskin, Ali, Eastwood if they are in the plans need some match fitness.

I'd start with Diskin & Leuluai, with peacock and Buderus on the bench.

Like TVOC, I preferred the original top-five play-off system as every position seemed perfectly weighted to benefit those who finished highest.

Last time Wigan came top in 2000 they got well and truly humped in their opening home game - 54-16 against Saints. And Saints did them again in the GF.

Imagine winning the Cup and then going to Wigan and winning in the play-offs ? The psychological damage that would do to all the other contenders.....

Conversely, coming 5th or below would surely be too much of an ask after the draining season that has been without a break for the players since January.

Realistically, watching Saturday's post-game celebrations and how euphoric everyone was at reaching Wembley, I wonder whether the players and coaching staff have the desire to get to Old Trafford again. Hope so, as Leeds have never done a 'double' before.

As for this weekend, and next, I'd definitely rest Jamie Peacock so he is guaranteed to play at Wembley. And I'd think seriously about wrapping captain Kevin in cotton wool, too. Both players will be key to any Wembley success.

1. Brent Webb
2. Scott Donald
3. Brett Delaney
28. Lee Smith
5. Ryan Hall
6. Danny McGuire
7. Rob Burrow
8. Kylie Leulaui
14. Matt Diskin
16. Ryan Bailey
11. JJB
27. Chris Clarkson
13. Kevin Sinfield

12. Ali Lauitiiti
15. Greg Eastwood
17. Ian Kirke
19. Luke Burgess

Ambler/McShane to come in if anyone is injured.
Senior, Peacock and Buderus rested. Next week go with them on the bench.

Good points AG but with the rumours of Peacock and others carrying knocks into the semi i'd be loathed to risk worsening their conditions and would certainly look to be resting them.

All of a sudden it appears Leeds fans are prioritising the Challenge Cup over the Super League Regular Rounds.

Just as it should be.

I wonder if those supporters who always wish for an early exit from the cup have got their final tickets yet?

Care to expand?

The regular rounds are your passport to the best chance of making (and therefore winning) the Grand Final.

If Leeds finish 5th, crash out of the playoffs in Week 2 at Knowsley Road or the Halliwell Jones and lose at Wembley, will they have been "right" to prioritise the knockout competition?

From my own p.o.v i just would'nt risk losing someone like Peacock in games i personally think we can win and i want to win both!

The Challenge Cup rounds should take priority as lose one game and you're gone. If you make the final you want to give yourself the best opportunity to win it. That may involve playing players to find form or it may involve giving players a week out to rest injuries.




There are 27 Regular Rounds to secure your best starting position for the Play-Offs. If the best you can manage is a 4th or 5th place finish then you've not given yourself the best opportunity to avoid the tougher fixtures you've mentioned.

You should go out to try and win every game and every trophy, playing injured players doesnt help you do either

I said at the beginning of the season that I would be happy with a trip to Wembley this year, so this is me officially happy



Anything else is a bonus.

I don't see a point in discussing the team now, wait a couple of weeks.

i'm sure half our injuries this season have come in training so while i might jiggle the starting 13 a bit i'd want all the squad willing to put their hands up for selection

its more important that the team that is picked for wembley is as fit as possible without any major risks being taken like with senior in 2005
bluey will have some tough choices if we have a fully fit squad and whoever is left out there will be a case for their inclusion

But we aren't bluey and we'll have no say in the selection. Bit of a pointless thread tbh.

Well you should know!