When James Graham went in for a try to open the scoring for St Helens it appeared that the Rhinos would be decimated.

What were the odds, I wonder, at that point on Leeds winning? But that was the last sign of the Saints for the rest of the match.

The drainage on the Old Trafford turf was excellent. So was the officiating of the man in the middle, Ashley Klein.

There is no better physical contact sport than rugby league.

For me, the players really work at it, and provide top-class sport.

We now look forward to England winning the World Cup in Australia.

What more could I ask for?

PN Hayward, Allonby, Maryport, Cumbria

RARELY have the pages of the Yorkshire Post contained so much information about one match in any sport as that accorded to the bombastically entitled Super League grand final, culminating in last Monday's second leader.

Play-offs are, of course, intrinsic to rugby league. They were there 60 years ago, long before rugby union, soccer or cricket dreamed of them or perhaps even noticed them.

They were justifiable then, because there was only one division. It contained 28 clubs, and it was obviously impossible for everyone to play everyone home and away (ie 54 matches) during one season.

They are acceptable today for two other reasons. One, most clubs can retain an interest in the season right to the end, additional to the final placing. Two, they provide a useful financial nest egg.

Yorkshire has had a very successful play-off record in 2008, with Hull and Doncaster promoted that way in soccer, and Leeds United also at Wembley, and now Leeds in rugby league. But for me, at least, the best rugby league side in 2008 was the one which took the cup and league double with no play-offs, namely St Helens.

Roger S Tipping, Marlborough Road, Town Moor, Doncaster

May I say – in the format of Radio Sheffield – big praise and two small grumbles to Ian Appleyard.

Praise as always, Ian, for your excellent match report on the previous Saturday's match at Oakwell. Best comeback since? The 1953 Brighton Cup tie, my first match (HT 0-3, FT 4-3).

Praise also for your excellent page two article. It is now time for us supporters to let Simon Davey get on with his job. The 'villains' who chanted for his dismissal have short memories. Have they forgotten the FA Cup run?

Young Reuben Noble-Lazarus will have a great future. How much of it will be at Oakwell remains to be seen. He should finish his education before seeking footballing glories.

As for the grumbles, I don't like being classed as a 'villain'. Only a minority of the supporters made those chants. The minority were at best venting their frustration, at worst being stupid and disrespectful to Simon Davey. Was Darren Moore villain or hero?

Secondly, only a little grumble, but I will get this off my chest anyway. 'Barnsley have not beaten Doncaster since 1979'. You did not actually say that. This statement and John Ryan's favourite, 'Barnsley have not won at Belle Vue since 1968' annoy me intensely. I keep hearing versions of both these statements.

True statements (before Saturday). They are correct. Rovers have also had five wins (four League and one JP Trophy) in the two seasons the clubs were together in League One, 2004-2005 and 2005-2006.

But the teams did not meet for 25 years – whose fault was that?

Finally, just to say I think Simon might just turn things around.

I also hope that Sean O'Driscoll can improve Rovers' fortunes (except on October 28). This will be very difficult.