If you look through the year - and more particularly recently - most players have had a 'rest' be it through injury, suspension, form or the ocassional 'rest' to recharge the batteries.
On the whole the downsides of finishing 3rd are we could lose the first play off match, or a playes could get injured or suspended, and if we so win we are away (probably to HKR).
I'd suggest the upside could be we have a chance with the extra game to keep tge players ticking over and close to boiling.
I very much doubt the 1st play off match will be a 'walkover' - unless we play Saints!