Every year we state the obvious. We hate the McIntyre system. Teams that make the finals deserve the knowledge that they are in a knockout situation. Under the current NRL finals system, they don't.

All sides from 3 down, have the chance to be knocked out. IF every team ranked 5-8 win, that means the sides that finished 3 and 4, are knocked out. Is that fair compensation for finishing in the top 4. If the top 4 sides win, 7 and 8 are eliminated but teams 5 and 6 are given a second chance. Is this fair? NO

They should play 1v4 and 2v3 to see which team gets the week off. Teams 5v8 and 6v7 should play in a pure knockout series to see who plays the loser of the top ranked teams. For once the AFL have got it right. We don't.