The Challenge Cup gives us national exposure - it is the only games of live RL on terrestrial in the year - and means a lot more casual viewers of the game than otherwise. Of course the lack of interest in the early rounds is disappointing but is inevitable given the improved standards in SL vis. a vis sides in the National Leagues (except the top NL1 sides). However the final is still a showpiece event that makes up for this.

Personally, I didn't go to the game on Friday I had other commitments but I did go to the away game against Worky a few years ago. I would be more motivated to go to these games if they were away because it is more of an occasion and its good to see some of the grounds in the NLs with lots of history.

So Les Cats winning is because of the cup? They beat Salford 3 weeks before the game against Saints and ran the Saints team close over the easter weekend earlier in the season having played and having to travel to France just like St Helens so just because they won (oh the shock of them winning!!) that is another reason to scrap the cup?

Now you just look desperate.

Facts my good fellow mere facts

Saying that, Wigans domination of the cup way back when wasn't any good for the game either, if the RFL further developed NL teams and helped them all go full time and got the standard up to a low level SL team - Hudds for example - then the cup would be a more competitive altho not likely to throw up many sides from NL1 2 and beyond winning it, it sure would improve it

Develop the teams to improve the cup don't just rid RL of what is the most Historic cup in the sport

Make the SL team wear those bicycle cranks a la 'Its A Knockout'

Should do