I always find these threads frustrating, all the derby games are massive for the sport. As is seen by the higher attendance and coverage they get, so I find it quite insulting when people find the need to compare the games in a ranking system.

The Hull derby and the Wigan / saints games are both very good for the game and along with Bradford v Leeds is becoming a vital part of the easter weekend. They are all special for very different reasons, Wigan / Saints speaks for itself both teams are no strangers to silverware and the Hull derby is a game were a single city is literally split into two. Bradford v Leeds is starting to bubble up nicely again after some great games and as always local pride is at stake with both clubs practically knocking on each others doorsteps.

These three games get more coverage then any other in the game IMO and thats why i wouldn't say one is more important or a better fixture then the other. Its like comparing the Old Firm games to a River plate / Boca Juniors game.

Not exactly, they are on seprate sides of the plannet.

These 3 games are played in the same league in the same country.

You can compare them easily on crowds, success (recent and historic) and also it is quite clear to see from this thread that Wigan v Saints is the one the neutrals look out for. I accept that the others are big, but mainly to the people of that city or town.

No other derby has the same amount of history as Wigan v Saints.

I keep hearing about people saying Wigan - Saints is the best because of the amount of history. Well why does this suddenly make it the best ?

All fixtures in Rugby League have some history, so this does not make it the best. At this moment in time they is no better game to watch then Saints - Wigan purely because they are two superb teams and with the added rivalry on top always creates a good game.

Then you have the Hull derby which despite no team really troubling the top of the table for a while now still can attract good crowds. In recent seasons when the clubs have done "friendlies" they have still attracted over 15,000 crowds, in one of those games Hull KR was in the Championship. The Hull derby game is a match just like Wigan and saints will have interest from neutrals.

For quality at the moment Wigan v Saints is one of the top games I agree ? but the best derby ? No way and I wouldn't say the Hull one was either.

I think the best three fixtures are Wigan v Saints, the Hull derby and Bradford v Leeds. BUT I wouldn't put them in a particular order, to each set of fans their derby is the best, and there would be no convincing them otherwise, that's what a derby is all about! I watched the Hull and Bradford/Leeds games on sky and as a rugby league fan enjoyed them both, the intensity, aggression and skill on show in a derby is what makes it so special. Of course I enjoyed the Wigan Saints game more, because that is MY derby with MY team. We should be proud that we have such intense derby games, with little or no crowd trouble and for the most part a family atmosphere.

I like Keighley Huddersfield, it was a great game for both fans when we were really bad. I always go to one Cougar game a year, Leaguefan

The Warrington/Wigan game is usually an entertaining one, but its not "The Big Game" that is Wigan/Saints infinitum, you don't even have to advertise the Wigan/Saints game you will always get 21 to 24k turning up.
Saints are playing at around 70% at the moment yet still are in the top 3, Warrington you can't take seriously until they have got to a Grand Final.

You are both Eddie and Stevo and I claim a fiver for each.

Wigan v St Helens
Hull v Hull KR
Bradford v Leeds
Wigan v Leeds
St Helens v Warrington/Wigan v Warrington

Did I just see that 'spent force' St Helens move above you in the table again?

Still laughing?

Warrington V Hull FC is a pretty big game. obviously the mighty wire just couldnt be d being mighty today

very little Wonder in the Wire this afternoon.

now that was what you could call a very fierce if very shortlived local rivalry.
it was such a shame it had to end.
and we weren't both bad conor, we were the best 2 teams outside the top flight for a number of years,hence the rivalry was born

LEIGH V WIGAN (one day

)