I still think we come across as petulant. We've not earnt that right.

We need as many friends as possible in the game. We've explained our viewpoint so let it go. All that's going to happen is more clubs will refuse just to watch the toys come flying out of Odsal.

Saying 'York have graciously agreed to live stream the game' sounds a million times better than 'Workington won't let us, amateurs' or 'Warrington won't let us and won't say why'

If it's the Beeb doing it I don't see they have any choice, given that they hold the rights anyway. I assume it's being done under their ongoing contract to show cup ties?

York have no say in the matter so let's get that cleared up straight away.
The question here is, do York receive any additional funding/money from the RFL as a result of their cup game being chosen by the BBC as the game they want to broadcast? I suspect that they don't.
But do they care? I wouldn't if I was on the board at York. I'd take it as an opportunity to show anybody watching what a good thing they have going on down there and invite anyone interested to come along.

It's funny how people's opinions change regarding the streaming of matches when it involves a recognised brand and a fee was paid for the privilege. Even though, as mentioned above, York probably don't see any of the money and nobody has any clue how much the BBC are paying for it anyway!

Whilst I agree the statement pre Workington left much to be desired I can't see that Chalmers statement this time should cause any problems. There is of course a difference anyway in that Warrington decided this in good time whereas Workington made a late decision when much preparatory work had been undertaken. I think the current statement sets out our position without suggesting that this should be followed by all RFL clubs.

It's also funny how people's opinions on it change depending on which club is involved, as bias plays a very large factor.

Squads are out:

Warrington:

Sitaleki Akauola, Ryan Atkins, Mitch Brown, Josh Charnley, Ben Currie, Eribe Doro, Bryson Goodwin, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, Luis Johnson, George King, Harvey Livett, Pat Moran, Declan Patton, Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford, Tyrone Roberts, Morgan Smith, Ben Westwood


Bulls:
Bustin, Crossley, Flanagan, Garside
, Gibson, Grant, Halafihi, Hallas, Johnson, Keyes, Kirk, Milton, Minchella, Oakes, Peltier ,Pickersgill, Ricketts, Ryan, Wood

A few names I don't recognise in the Wire squad and few in ours who haven't been regulars. What we might have expected I guess.
My first thought was Pickersgill to partner Keyes in the halves, and Gibson at fullback with Oakes in at centre, though Garside can play also centre.

I'd personally leave Garside in the forwards as he's been very strong for us there. Instead I think its more likely that Kear will either;

- Leave Pickersgill at FB and play Keyes/Minchella in the halves; or
- Play Ryan at FB, Ricketts on the wing and Keyes/Pickersgill in the halves.

Really glad to see Bustin available as he's been in great form. Also I wouldn't be surprised to see McNally called up at late notice, although to risk him in what should be a Wire win would be a risk.

I'd go for...

Ryan
Rickett
Gibson
Oakes
Grant
Keyes
Pickersgill
Crossley
Hallas
Kirk
Garside
Minchella
Milton

Bustin
Flanagan
Johnson
Peltier

Wood and Halafihi to miss out for me.

I'll need another club to actually try it before I can demonstrate any lack of bias

I really think Halafihi has earned an extended run in the side. His performances in the centre last year have improved his overall confidence. He has this buzz about him and I genuinely believe his distribution is the best we have off the floor from acting half. Played very well this year, also in the reserve game against Wigan he played like a veteran and run the game for me

I don't disagree at all but think Flanagan's impact off the bench added to Hallas' ability to rotate into the back row (and is also a tackle machine) gives them the edge.

It;s sad that he's never had a run in the first team.

Anyone else get the email telling them it's not too late to get workington tickets? The poor poor lad.

It literally just landed in my inbox

The problem lies squarely at the door of the chairman. If you allow your media manager to repeatedly do a poor job without taking action, then you're the one to blame, not the underling.

And he actually has the gall to call another club amateurish when we're doing stuff like this constantly.