We need to beat Whitehaven on sunday to qualify. If we lose (even with a bonus point) we will not qualify unless there are some strange results - Swinton would have to beat Doncaster at Doncaster and Workington would have to beat featherstone.

Some strange fixture permutations arent there this year

I would have gone for last years NL1 top 8 seeded for a decent knock out stage.

I have a weird feeling we may get shafted Sunday so we cant posssibly win the NRC. As the NRC winners can apply for a franchise.

We will be ok. Going to beat Haven by 10 points and qualify in style

Got to say that I am a bit more excited about the qualifying process this year than previous

In recent years you could play 6 games , lose 4 and still qualify

Much better this year

I'd better go for a lie down now as I have just realised that I am praising the RFL for doing something right for the NLs/Championships

Anyone know how knockout stages work re the draw. ie Is there an advantage to finishing top of group ? Now this did annoy me in previous seasons.

No , it's a straight draw

Having said that unless we win on Sunday we quite possibly will not make the knock out stages

Kind of looking forward to the Haven game, with a bit of a edge to it.

Shame about format for knockout stages (with or without us) as other comps give some kind of advantage for finishing top of a group in earlier stages.

Group games just seem to be a way of passing time, until the League starts!

Thing is Alan in previous seasons we would have already qualified but would have had 3 more games to play

This year it is a win or bust against Haven , and if we do win we take out one of the other favourites

I have never been that keen on this comp especially the pointless qualifiers , but basically our season is now up and running

Lose and we are out

Good innit