after the final round of super league fixtures next week, do top and 2nd in the table get a week off or start the play-offs straight away?

Straight away. The week off is in the 2nd weekend and is for the winners of the matches involving the top 4, not necessarily 1st and 2nd.

I thought I knew how the new playoff system worked until I tried to explain it to someone last night.

Anyone got time to give a example?

All I can remember is that if the league table remains as it is as present, we play Hull KR, I think at home. If we win that match, we get a week off and then play the winners of one of the 6-8 eliminators.

How many games would we need to win to make final?

Two at best.

So as it stands if we beat hull kr we get week off. Then we play 1 of the remaining 6 teams that finish below us and we are in grand final?

What I,m not sure of is:- ....if

Leeds lose in 1st Round
Saints win in 1st Round

Do Leeds get the choice of picking there opponent in the 3rd round being the highest place team even though they lost there game in the 1st round.

If this is correct then the RFL are deeming a loser in the 1st round has more advantage than a Winner in the 1st Round.

Yes.


Yes, assuming we win, obviously.

The advantage now seems to be in being placed within the top four, rather than coming top.

Yes.

Week 1

1st v 4th
2nd v 3rd

Winners to week 3
losers to 2nd week

5th v 8th
6th 7th

winners to play losers of top 4 playoffs
losers out

week 2

1st or 4th v (if 1st) lowest placed qualifier FRS (if 4th)highest placed qualifier FRS (From Regular Season).
2nd v 3rd v (if 2nd) lowest placed qualifier FRS (if 3rd)highest placed qualifier FRS unless 4th qualified.

Week 3

Highest placed qualifier out of top 4 to win week1 has choice.
remaining 2 teams play each other with th highest placed qualifier at home.

Old Trafford

Hope that helps.

This is what happens when you make the rules up in the pub on a beer mat.