We would, but given a choice between winning a challenge cup and a grand final, I’d always say the challenge cup.
It always meant everything to me as a kid.
I would have belly tingles a week before a knockout game, and would be so upset when we got knocked out, I be utterly gutted for about 2 weeks after.
I couldn’t eat properly for days before/on/after 1989!

So W71. I may be out on my own. Don’t get me wrong I’m desperate for a GF, but not at the expense of one of the best days of my life watching Wire at Wembley.

(Yes I know it’s Spurs)

(Cont)….I can remember us getting knocked out be Cas in the CC, then battling them the week after in a non important league game…(pist off wasn’t in it.)

Always knew you were a Saints fan. 1989 final was between saints & wigan

Like it's footballing equivalent, the FA Cup, the Challenge Cup is a massively devalued competition now.

While the devaluing of the FA Cup is down to a number of things, main one for me being the semi finals being at Wembley, the Challenge Cup's problem is that it is no longer the icing on the cake at the end of a long season - it's just a 4 game knockout tournament crowbarred awkwardly into the season.

While the growth of the Grand Final has been mainly good for the game, it has also been to the detriment of the Challenge Cup - By promoting the play offs as the 'serious' business end of the season, its managed to make the Challenge Cup an almost minor thought is many sport's observers minds.

Was that away in the 80s? I recall that

The Challenge Cup was usurped when we switched to summer rugby sadly. I used to love it, my first time was 1990 vs Wigan. Magical then heart wrenching.

Your in the minority but then you always post things just to provoke a reaction and it’s become incredibly boring

I put my heart on my sleeve and that’s your response!
Btw, this isn’t a new ideal. I’ve said it on the forum more than once before over the years.

I won’t be changing my mind with comments like yours in defence of the GF.

Yes, Bill & Ben.

JJB's first half time team talk will be a tough one.

I don’t think they understood his talk before kick off!

They need to catch more babel fish out of the river Aire.