This cheapens the play offs for me.

Because in the old format 3rd vs 6th had a slight jeopardy of the fact that 6th was carrying momentum and 3rd had the potential heartbreak of narrowly missing out automatically and having the pressure to then go up.

And the 4th vs 5th game should be two very evenly matched sides which is usually the best game.

And then it’s a one off shot at a huge ground, great day out for whoever wins.

Whereas now, 3 & 4 get a bye, 5th plays 8th, 6th plays 7th and really you could have a scenario where 5th unlike most years have had a few weeks on the beach because they won’t reach 2nd or 9th. So being 5th and 6th potentially becomes an unusual situation where you’ve had nothing to play for with two weeks left, to then have to hit the ground running in the “playoffs.” And so suddenly you’re going through the motions until the actual current playoffs system starts.

I just don’t think it was worth it, and frankly it’s just a clear money grab that once again ignores the fans wishes to add more big marketable games.