You're not wrong there.

Wigan v Stains is at Warrington on the Saturday (4.30pm). Assuming Galpharm for you Sunday?

Is that confirmed? I hope we get the Sunday draw - I'll be reffing Sat.

It has to be I would assume.

That is what is said on the Saints board.

Wigan-Saints is at a ground that holds 13,000?

Shows how far the Challenge Cup has fallen down the pecking order if that's all the RFL expect to sell for a local derby semi-final.

You're at Donny 3.15pm.

Shocking decision. Should be able to get 20k+

I doubt it.

The attendance at the SF last year was 15,267 with an embarrassing closed stand. That's against Saints who, like us, have a lot of casual supporters who attend the big games in a season (like a cup semi). With respect to Cas, they don't have many of these kind of supporters as over the past 10 years, they've not been in any big games.

There have been some odd locations for semi finals over the years (Swinton in '84 was a disgrace). A footy stadium would seem to be the solution here.

Much better these days IMO to take these type of games to venues that could potentially sell-out and create a demand.

The atmosphere at the Halliwell-Jones on Saturday sounded electric. Wish I'd been there.

The half empty KC stadium appeared flat as a fart (on TV) by comparison.

True, but a variance in the buoyancy of mood at the clubs involved over the two games should probably be noted. If the mood at the KC was a little subdued that could be understood.

Yes that's a fair point also.

Saturday's atmosphere reminded me of the Leeds V Bradford semi-final at the McAlpine in '99 in the game to decide the eventual winners of the cup. Similar scenario given Wigan and Warrington's seasons to date.