It is sad but some will still bury their heads in the sand and say all is rosy in the garden look at the SL attendances its all the Challenge Cup's fault.
Like I have said whilst crowds do go down for cup matches because it is all pay it is very noticeable that even the bigger games don't get good crowds most of the time like the Wakey v Cas game. In football yer some games in the FAC are a lot lower but come the real tasty games the fans turn up. SL crowds are inflated by free tickets and offers anyway.
Maybe the CC shows what the fanbase in RL really is now, the actual ones who are willing to pay to watch the game not the artificial ones to boost numbers on paper!

What a scary thought

Rugby league has an end of season cup- it is now called the Grand Final.

There is no need for a mid-season competition, broadcast on a minority sports channel at viewing times that the other code now recognise attract limited viewing (they move key games to tea time)

Only thing stoping the "big clubs" sending out under 21's is the prize money and the good odds of a wembley final.

As a supporter of any Championship side now knows the only positive is a good away draw or derby and hope for a bit of income.

Does the introduction of the 'free ticket' for when the SL clubs come into the mix pour cold water on this?

What?
BBC is STILL the national TV station seen by more than the how many million is it up to 8 now on Sky?
I cannot remember how many people have said to me that they watched the Bradford match (and saw me!) the other week. Most not even Fax or RL fans but either saw it was Halifax or just becuase it was on the BBC.
As for a good draw for Championship sides well that no longer works as the SL clubs fans get in for free even at away games like Bradford fans at the Shay!
Also you want just ONE competition for clubs to win, the SL Grand Final??? Yer okay you get a League leaders trophy or minor premiership plus the World Club Challange (but that was about before SL and is a one off cup anyway near pre season now)
When you compare pre SL era there were 5 trophies up for grabs, the Yorkshire/Lancashire Cups, Regal(JPS) Trophy, Div 1 Championship, Challenge Cup and Play Offs/Premiership trophy.
How many will ever win the Grand Final anyway, about 5 clubs (maybe 6 if Huddersfield keep improving with Ken Davy's millions):-
Bradford (maybe not now but were one of the Big 4), Wigan, Warrington, Leeds, and St Helens.
Now that would be boring!

So, at a guess, do you reckon the tie V Bradford at the Shay brought in some decent income ?

Am amazed at this!!!!!

Thanks for letting us know that you are amazed......

You want to elaborate??