I've had a reply from the RFL. I guess others will get the same.Leigh Sports Village was chosen as the venue for the Teltey's Challenge Cup semi-final, Wigan v London, because it meets necessary criteria; mainly that it is an appropriately sized venue and is available to use on the weekend of July 27/28.

A list of potential semi-final venues was sent to all competing quarter-finalists two weeks prior to the games being played and [sizethe selection of Leigh Sports Village as the venue for Wigan v London had the full support of both competing clubs[/size.
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Yep... exactly the same email to me too. I wonder how many fans voiced their displeasure? Obviously Gus was one that didn't.

'the selection of Leigh Sports Village as the venue for Wigan v London had the full support of both competing clubs.'

This once again is a complete snub to the fans. Our club are complicit in this decision, no doubt if they had strongly objected we make have got a fairer venue. No we just roll over, because our club clearly don't give a stuff for its hardcore supporters. The people who run our club clearly deserve the mess they are in. We are not just supporters but customers and we are treated with contempt. Bad businesses don't deserve to survive.

I look forward to the Skolars shrewd business plan to overtaking these wasters some time soon.

Hi - just passing through, but it occurs to me that leigh has been chosen because it is probably the place most likely to get the maximum attendance and hence the most revenue. Not really fair to you Londoners, but money talks these days.

Spot on!

I'm all for having a go at Gus, but we don't know what the alternatives were - he could just be making the best of a bad job here.

This is the problem. The club may have made have representation, but that is not what the RFL statement says. Gus has made no attempt to tell us what he did or show any concern that we have been disadvantaged. We might as well not exist!

Same email to me, club rolls over and let's the RFL tickle their tummy

Or the reality is that the club makes a logical decision on basis of how many London fans are likely to travel where ever the game is played along the M62 corridor and goes for a venue that is likely to ensure a reasonable payday for the club regardless of the result.

I don't particularly like the fact it is almost in Wigan's back garden but its a rugby field and the team have to travel regardless. Plus there are probably enough neutrals around that area that don't like Wigan who would support the underdog. Just needs the underdog to put up a fight.

Hi Grimmy, thanks for your opinion. By the way, given your location, why do you support the 'pie-boys' as opposed to the City Reds who currently are in much greater need of your presence?

Stop teasing me

I don't remember this much whinging about the Cas semi in 99. Who on earth allowed that game to be played so close to Castleford?

When we make the Final, we'll have home advantage.

All those northerners having to take t'coach or t'train to big t'London, where as we'd be going by local omnibus, tube or one of those bicycles.

Well you have got more than me! but then again mine gave some home truths to one man!

It's the principal of the Leigh ground, it was demonstrated when a big match was played there before that access other than road transport is not good, plus it is far too close to Wigan, Warrington may have been better! still close to Wigan but easy to get to. Anyway it is decided now!

Think we should be opening a book for the attendance, will it reach 5,000?

I got the same email also.