Saints chief slams play-off plans

St Helens were beaten by Leeds in the Grand Final in October

St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus has criticised changes to the play-off system, due to take effect from 2009.

The highest placed team after the first round will be able to choose semi-final opponents in week three in an event expanded from six to eight teams.

"We were not in favour," he said. "It's a little bit of a gimmick gone too far.

"The game has thrived on innovation and much been correct but this won't work. It's supposed to be an advantage but all it will do is motivate opponents."

One theory for the decision to change the structure of the play-offs is that it would bring greater excitement to the concluding stages of the competition.

Leeds retained their Super League crown by beating St Helens in the Grand Final in October in Manchester.

And McManus added: "I don't think semi-finals have been predictable at all.

"The play-offs have worked in the current form, are successful and an exciting culmination to the season."

Regarding the new proposals the Saints chief said: "I think it's a bit of an insult to the team you choose and the fans of that team.

"I don't see where the advantage is for the team that has come higher up the league."

Another controversial factor is the decision to expand the competition to eight teams.

606: DEBATE Give your thoughts on the play-off system

In Australia, there have been instances where teams have finished well down the league in sixth and seventh place and gone on to win the overall prize.

"There ought to be more emphasis on the league itself," McManus insisted. "In every sport in every country around the world, if you win the league then it's quite an achievement.

"I can understand why that was downplayed in the initial years of the play-offs whilst the play-off were developed.

"Now they are successful I don't think you would prejudice the play-offs by giving more credit to the league.

"If you've come eighth do you deserve to be in the play-offs?

"I'm all in favour of innovation - if it works. We keep coming up with reasons for why the national team is not performing, too many games etc, so what do we do? Add another game!"

McManus is hoping the idea will not be persisted with and said: "It's just change for change sake but if it doesn't add value then everything is reviewable."