yeah it would, there'd still be a lack of dragons fans so we'd still be encouraged to help out or put our hand up to the rfl to assist.

thought admittedly, winding you lot up was a bonus, but as i say, the rfl like us as a club, we don't about on the salary cap, actually or spiritually, and they reward us by giving the semis and some of the smaller internationals.

I believe it is actually 1986!!! That is what has been quoted on another board.

I agree, that this game now has more attraction, as the fact that Saints have been in every final for a few years now hasn't been a good thing.

The fact is, we will never just attract the general public. We will get a couple of million at the most watching on the BBC, and they will be sports fans who aren't as ignorant as ROBINSON. They will understand the charm that this final will have, compared to many recent finals.

Daft thread.

I think it will be a cracking final and it is refreshing to see some different teams in there.

I cannot honestly say who is going to win which is good as over the last few years Saints have been big favourites and won it pretty easy and had Saints won today they would have been strong favourites again with the likes of Long and a few others returning to full fitness over the next few weeks.

Looking at the two semi's I would tip Huddersdield to win. They were absoloutly immense today, especially in defence. Warrington blew us away first half but did their best to try and let Wigan back into the game in the second half. Huddersfield played well for the full 80 against one of the best attacking teams in the league and played some very good RL with it.

It should be a good spectacle and lets be honest both teams deserve their place in the final which is more that can be said for both Wigan and Saints.

Saints lost in 87. So yes since 1986 when Cas beat Featherstone (?)

ROBINSON starting a thread like this I am shocked

Isnt it good that there are 2 teams that not many people expect to be there contesting the final??? Good for the reputation of Superleague, nobody wants to see the same teams win constantly. I would still go to the final if i could.

It is but I think the point being made is that would Joe Bloggs who only occasionally watch the odd match on TV be more likely to tune in after hearing it would be "Saints v Wigan" or hearing it will be "Warrington v Huddersfield" and with no disrespect to either team I think the appeal to people who aren't as up on the game as a lot on these boards will be lessened by the teams there. They won't see it in the same way as a lot of us as what will hopefully be a fantastic final and a great advert for how things are levelling out in the game and anyone stands a chance more than they did before, they will see it as two teams they have hardly heard of playing a game. As a result of that if the BBC/RFL want to get people watching in numbers rather than flicking over to another channel they need to put something special into pushing the game over the next few weeks.

I doubt anyone would argue the fact we all want as many people aware of what a great sport we have and this is a great chance to push that IT those with the power to do so make sure everyone knows its happening.

A village has lost its idiot! Found him right here...

WE DESERVE TO BE THERE,SOUR GRAPES? WE ARE NOT 3RD IN THE TABLE FOR NO REASON

As long as Huddersfield win its good for the game

Anyone who watched the semis will be watching the final. However, I think when it comes to selling the game to the general public, those of you who live in the north just don't seem to grasp the scale of the antipathy to rugby league, and the ignorance of it, that exists in the rest of the country. There is not one player in rugby league today who has transcended the sport to become a household name in the wider sporting perception of the British public in the way that Hanley and Offiah once did, as another poster pointed out. Frankly, if you're trying to sell the game to non-rugby league fans in the south, you're flogging a dead horse. Wigan-Saints finals are no easier sell than anything else, and do not attract people from outside the fraternity, because those that have heard of those teams assume that that's the final every year.
I live a short train ride from Quins and when rugby league is mentioned down here the reaction ranges from indifference to hostility. The only way that I can see that really changing is with a World Cup win for England. A bit of silverware for Quins RL wouldn't hurt, either. Getting people to watch the Challenge Cup Final will not be achieved with any advertising that the BBC can produce. Let's just hope it's a quiet Saturday and people are curious.

Living in the past aren't we? - this argument that you are famous lacks any respectability whatsoever, WERE is the correct description and trying to undermine a Challenge Cup Final because Wigan missed out doesn't sound like a true RL Fan, and certainly won't put things right on the field.

Although - i admit i beliveve that if Saints had made the Final - Wembley would have been packed to the rafters. But nevertheless i think Huddersfield could sell near to 15 000 and Warrington 25 000.

And to many neutrals who i have spoke to - they are looking forward to this Final more than many previous - due to the fact that both sides are so evenly matched, unlike Saints vs Catalans/ Hull.

it will still be packed with stains fans as many were so arrogant to assume they'd be there and pre-ordered tickets

yes therll be a 3/4 full stadium