Another big problem with this, I think, is that the genie's out of the bottle.

Too many clubs have proved in recent years that it's possible to get to Wembley having played no-one of significance. In other words, by luck.

That doesn't really apply to the Grand Final, which is only reached by beating the best.

There may still, because of others factors - like Wigan totally losing the plot in 2001 - be one-sided Grand Finals. But at least there is no doubt that the two teams there have proved themselves. In comparison to that, Wembley feels like a bit of a circus. This year's final was great - it would have graced OT no problem, but last year's did immeasurable damage to the competition.

I think that's a good idea. I doubt it will happen though. Sky have a vested interest in ensuring that any RL competition where TV rights rest with another broadcaster takes second place by a long way to their Grand Final - and given that the RFL are in bed with Sky (remember the last time the RFL negotiated SL TV rights with Sky without any other competitors?), there is no impetus to promote the CC competition within a fixture schedule that is controlled by Red Hall.

I also think they purposefully schedule the CC final at the same time as the Super 8's to make it as difficult as possible for one team to win both as a 'levelling tactic'.

I've certainly not been bothered about the cup. It's become more of a hindrance to the league.
It's lost all it's spark no matter how many times the bbc rave about it pre matches.
Late entry for the top 8 of SL makes the the whole thing less exciting.
I'd probably like to see a shorter season with more international games at the end, or more mid season international matches to give more players a chance to play for our country before end of season tournaments.

For a national stadium the roads in and out of the stadium are 3rd world standard. Enough to put a few off

Third world roads have mud roads, rivers with no bridges

i think you know what i meant! the road in and out of the stadium is totally inadequate!

Bet you wished you did bother after that performance

We've been like that all season

I don't think any Wigan fan can laugh at Wire's attendance after your showing for the semi final. I hope they gave the taxi driver a decent tip

Why do people bother with the CC ?

What an utterly strange question.

In many respects The Challenge Cup Final is Rugby League.
Yes, since the advent of Sky and the Grand Final, which is also a magnificent competition, I agree the interest level have gone down. But why question its existence ?? What good does that serve ?
We should not run the great old competition down, we should be getting behind it. It needs the League to raise its prestigious value and prize money.

We neglect the Challenge Cup final and all it stands for at the gems peril.

Negative titles such as "why do we bother" show a lack knowledge and respect of RL history and what it means to so many who love everything it stands for.
Amazed that Wigan, of all clubs, whose name was made in the Challenge Cup, should now have supporters who question its relevance.

This,

This thread is essentially the problem with the modern game. Too many cannot remember the pre Super League era. The challenges cup saved Wigan from financial collapse is the late 1980's. It was the only real trophy of note they had won in 20 years when they clung on to win the 1985 final.

The fact it's a showpiece event on free to air television should make it a priority for fans, yet too many look down their noses at it. Fans that is, not the players or coaches or club owners. Take a look at the reaction of the players at the end of the cup final this year. Take a look at Wanes reaction to winning it in 2013. They live for it.

A more apt question would be, why DONT people bother with the CC final (or semi final in wigans case). Find out why the gates are down and do something about it.

hull fc got to the cup this year by beating the best,wigan,warrington,catalans,st.helens.i don`t look on that as luck.