Agreed. I'm not bothered about the cup. Promotion is key.

I completely get that the league is number one priority; however if we cannot finish top of this league with the experience and depth we have then we have a very serious issue.

Getting through this round could be worth thousands of pounds in revenue and this has to be put equally on par over these next few weeks. If we don't then it ultimately effects our ability to strengthen later in the season or even next year.

Agreed. Out of all the seasons, i think this is the one where we can afford to have a cup run. We can rest and rotate players for when we play teams like West Wales, Hemel etc As you say, an opportunity for some financial rewards. With 3 games in 10 days though, i do think we need to make some changes for this fixture.

With regards to changes, there's another factor that we've never really faced before which can force your hand. With a large amount of the squad being part time now, if you arrange a game on a weeknight, there may be some players unavailable due to work commitments. If you arrange it on a night that would normally be a training night, it takes that away, but if not you may have one or two not able to play because they're working.

Rearranged for Easter Monday

Sounds like it's ages away doesn't it, but Easter falls much earlier this year. So it's only 2 weeks from today.

Officially announced now. 2pm KO on Easter Monday.

As good a time as any, I guess. For good or bad, players are used to the Easter double anyway - and it's the same for both clubs. Don't these sudden Arctic weather patterns suddenly appear on a fortnightly basis..?

Sorry, but the CC draw should mean we should be re-addressing our short term goals and making sure we do everything in our power to field the strongest side possible on Easter Monday.

Warrington attract regular crowds of 11-12k. Add in that we are likely to travel well given its probably the biggest game we've had since the MPG vs Wakefield, I reckon it could easily be a 10k+ attendance.

Approximately 85% of gate receipts will be split 50:50... we could be looking at this game being worth about £50k to us.

Assuming of course, we get past Hunslet...

If we get through i'd bet its closer to 10k than 6k

That said, even if it was 6k, that would mean a windfall of about £30k

They played Widnes at home in the 6th rd last season and only drew a crowd of 5971 which is really poor considering its a local derby.You would hope they would muster a few more than that if we were to visit.
All academic of course till after Easter Monday.
On Easter, good win for Oldham last night at Fax.Should be a decent affair at our place Good Friday.

I think Oldham could well be the toughest team we play in the league this season. We certainly had tough games against them last year.

Interesting stat about the cup attendance at Wire last year. Think it puts things into perspective. Should we get past Hunslet I'd expect a similar attendance for our visit, probably not much more than 6k.