Not long back. Good day and fair play Wire. Saints bottled it big time, but Warrington really managed the game well.

Few thoughts, whilst the attendance remains an issue, there did seem a lot more neutral shirts around than I’ve seen in a few years, don’t know if anyone else thought that?

Also, I just wonder if the whole structure of the occasion needs a refresh. It struck me whilst listening to abide with me and to a certain extent the national anthem as well, they both seemed really outdated in this day and age. Abide with me especially used to be a real highlight in years gone by, but didn’t do it at all for me today, no one paying attention in a half empty ground, so don’t know what it does for kids or younger fans.

For the first time as well, I also felt I wouldn’t be entirely opposed to a move away from Wembley. It’s such a lifeless place, even when full, let alone with 30,000 empty seats. Maybe limiting the crowd to 60,000 at Arsenal/Spurs would bring back a bit of prestige with a full house and tickets a bit more scarce.

That's how it use to be, but there's now the necessary recognition that the video ref isnt infallible (due to camera angles, bodies in the way, inability to actually see the ball etc) hence why the onfield call is made first, and is the deciding factor unless the technology can clearly prove otherwise.

Do you think there might have been a bit of levelling up going on with that Warrington “no try” from the video ref?

To chalk that off was ridiculous IMO but the Saints effort in the first half should have been given and was missed.

Agree though Hicks had a good game overall.

Well done Warrington really deserved win and showed how you need to play in a big final.

The early decision not to go to the screen though was very poor. It would have changed the whole complexion of the game and who knows how it would have played out if Saints go 6-0 up early.

You mean 4-0 up, you never know, he might of missed a straight forward conversion....

Nah, he's a really good kicker, especially in front of goal


Were there any Saints fans at the game ? they were very quiet all game. Never heard them shouting Coooote all afternoon.

Don't agree on either point.
Abide With Me is a tradition very worth keeping.
Sung loud and proud around me.

Wembley is the pinnacle. Let's just work on filling it.

Yes but most games are boring these days - formulaic play. Players may be quicker and stronger than in the past but with very few exceptions it’s played by players of average ability. Watch the video of 1966 Saints and compare the quality of player and goalkicking, then to now. It’s sad to see how the sport has declined with less people playing in traditional RL towns and lack of world class sporting talent from other sports. The final yesterday was poor in my view, not helped by dire refereeing in the first 15 minutes. The second game’s first half was way better before Widnes completely fell away.

I think a large part of lower attendances is playing it on the August Bank Holiday weekend when people are under pressure to do things with the family. Also it’s the time of year when most families take holidays and are either away or broke after getting back.

You need to install a stairlift?

Has anyone seen as108 or lebrunne this weekend?