Sculthorpe against play-off format

Correspondent

Paul Sculthorpe has hit out at the new Super League play-off format, saying there are too many teams involved.

The former St Helens and Great Britain captain believes the top eight format could devalue the play-off system.

In this blog for the Liverpool Echo, he said: “I have to say, I think eight teams being involved in the play-offs out of a league of 14 teams is too many.

“Obviously, it will be difficult for teams near the bottom of the eight to come through and win the competition.

“But if you’ve played a 27-game season and only come eighth, maybe even losing more games than you’ve won, I don’t see how you have earned the chance to possibly win the major prize just by hitting some form over the space of a few weeks.

“But that’s the way it is and we have to get on with it.”

Sculthorpe, who retired at the end of last season, won the Grand Final with St Helens in 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2006.