The annual finals system debate thread

[RL1908]

Didn't Rugby League formerly use the version of finals that the AFL currently uses up untill 1999? It seemed that year both codes just shook hands and swapped finals systems

It was used by the ARL in 1995 and '96.

The ARL used a top 7 in 1997, and the NRL a top 10 in 1998. The present NRL system was adopted in 1999.

The AFL adopted the old ARL model in 2000.

So those calling for the AFL system to be adopted are actually calling for a return of the old ARL system.

From:
Finding the Premier Club
(a review of the premiership play-off systems since 1908).

 

[1 Eyed TEZZA]

I rekon when we expand in 2013 to 18 teams, we will go back to the top 10.

 

[mickdo]

NRL system sucks. The team that runs 6th should not be able to lose their first game of the semis and STILL be able to win the GF!!! Ludicrous.

 

[18to87]

NRL system sucks. The team that runs 6th should not be able to lose their first game of the semis and STILL be able to win the GF!!! Ludicrous.

I was on the fence until I read this post. Good point.

 

[Perry Como]

I prefer the AFL way. Being able to get knocked out from 3rd is ridiculous.

Or the way I'd have it, the premiership goes to the Minor Premiers.

Before you throw 100 years tradition out the door make sure the teams play each other twice

 

[ElectricEelMan]

NRL system sucks. The team that runs 6th should not be able to lose their first game of the semis and STILL be able to win the GF!!! Ludicrous.

Almost as ludicrous as the 6th team having an unearned home final ... oh wait that happens in the AFL system.

 

[Hass]

NRL system sucks. The team that runs 6th should not be able to lose their first game of the semis and STILL be able to win the GF!!! Ludicrous.

Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner.

It hasn't happened yet, but it will happen one day and there will be much gnashing of teeth when it does.

I prefer neither the AFL (old ARL) nor the McIntyre system. I prefer the Final 5.

But money talks.

 

[mickdo]

Almost as ludicrous as the 6th team having an unearned home final ... oh wait that happens in the AFL system.

6th can get a home final under the NRL system if they win their first game. Just as geniused.

 

[nomarg]

I voted AFL but both systems suck-

1 and 2 should get a week off.... the go into a qualifying GF game they can afford to loose.....

 

[Eelectrica]

i hate the fact that in alot of cases your fate depends on how other teams go.

for instance 3rd can be playing 6th and 6th can lose and still be playing the next week. because of other results. Semi finals should be about playing for something.

3rd can win and still not get a week off.

first round should be 1st vs 4th and 2nd vs 3rd for a week off and first crack at the grand final.

5th vs 8th and 6th vs 7th should be elimination games and your fate is only in your own hands.

If you don't lose, you can't get eliminated. Pretty simple.

What I like about it is it favours the top 2 teams more than the rest which is fair enough I think.

The anomoly is if teams both 7 and 8 win first up team 7 gets the tougher game week 2.

 

[18to87]

If the 1 and 2 win this weekend then what was the point of even having week one of the finals?

Storm are smashing Manly yet next week they will be level again. Makes no sense.

 

[1 Eyed TEZZA]

If the 1 and 2 win this weekend then what was the point of even having week one of the finals?

Storm are smashing Manly yet next week they will be level again. Makes no sense.

What if Parra end up winning the comp? Might aswell not have a finals series.

 

[El Diablo]

it's the ARL system, not the AFL system

the ARL used that top 8 system in 95 and 96 and the AFL copied it in 99

 

[1 Eyed TEZZA]

AFL system? pfft as far as Im concerned, its currently the Super League system.

 

[18to87]

What if Parra end up winning the comp? Might aswell not have a finals series.

Maybe Parra shouldn't be in the finals. Have a top 6 or top 5 as mentioned. I think Parra should have to prove themselves worthy to play a top 4 team like in the other system.

 

[1 Eyed TEZZA]

Maybe Parra shouldn't be in the finals. Have a top 6 or top 5 as mentioned. I think Parra should have to prove themselves worthy to play a top 4 team like in the other system.

Yeah, and then the Tigers vs Eels game means nothing and doesnt get 34,000. Parra doesnt sell out against Penrith, Newcastle vs Penrith last week is a dead rubber match.

Sounds to me what some are saying is that they want a top 8 system, but teams 5-8 shouldnt be allowed to win it because it doesnt look good.

 

[Cumberland Throw]

Imagine

Manly v parra @ Brookie Loser GOOOONE
Bris v Newcastle @Sancorp Loser GOOOONE
Dogs v Gold Coast @ ANZ 33000
St Geo v Melb @ OKI 18000

I would rather that than watching 16000 at etihad in a game that is basically swap partners turn around go again

 

[Alex28]

It shouldn't even be a Top 8 - finishing 8th in a 16 team comp should not earn you a chance of winning the comp. Should be a Top 5 - and I understand that the team I support would have missed out on a Top 5. I don't think we've played well enough this year for a shot at the title.

But on the other hand...possibly seeing Manly leave the comp in the first week after finishing 5th is kinda fun

 

[18to87]

Yeah, and then the Tigers vs Eels game means nothing and doesnt get 34,000. Parra doesnt sell out against Penrith, Newcastle vs Penrith last week is a dead rubber match.

Sounds to me what some are saying is that they want a top 8 system, but teams 5-8 shouldnt be allowed to win it because it doesnt look good.

Not at all. It is quite plausible that Manly will be playing next week and so will the Storm. Any system that has one team thrashing another then has them back on level points with an equal chance to win the comp the next week is seriously flawed.

 

[1 Eyed TEZZA]

It shouldn't even be a Top 8 - finishing 8th in a 16 team comp should not earn you a chance of winning the comp. Should be a Top 5 - and I understand that the team I support would have missed out on a Top 5. I don't think we've played well enough this year for a shot at the title.

But on the other hand...possibly seeing Manly leave the comp in the first week after finishing 5th is kinda fun

How many do you think would have gone to/watched the Knights belt Penrith last week had we been using a top 5 or 6 system.