Middle 8 start on zero points

At least off scratch, a team from 8th ranking with 7 away games has a chance at a play off spot.

If the team starts the super 8s in 8th and 12 points off 4th, that team is effectively playing dead rubbers from the first defeat.

I suppose if a team can keep its players reasonably fresh & injury free & finish say 8th & then manage to beat the teams above then there is no reason why they couldn't become champions by being able to win the seven games that matter. That format suddenly sounds very familiar,but Leeds obviously haven't thought of that this season because they look like finishing top.

9a just what I thought as I wrote the post. Sounds like the top 5 inaugural thing.

Or the format is a dud

When first announced I must admit it did seem a bit OTT/weird/complicated. Now that its almost here and we are talking about it in terms of who (currently) would be playing for what it makes sense. Now that the "table" is clearer the whole predetermining of what position plays what position (home or away) even the following 7 weeks makes sense.