Well blow me down!!

Challenge Cup : Mon May 20, 2024 7:17 pm
"A lot of concern about attendances and general loss of interest in the CC. I think there's a few factors at play here but for me it needs to be made more "democratic". I'd have preliminary rounds involving amateur/community clubs and Leage 1 sides to get down to just 6 of those sides for the 1st round proper involving SL, Championship and those 6 teams - 32 in all. In addition, from this round to the quarter finals, I'd adopt the 1895 Cup format of the lower placed team having a home tie. Quarters, first team out of the hat is at home. Semis at neutral venue. Final at Wembley??? Open to debate.
I know there'd be some drubbings, there always are whatever format is used, but it would make it far more interesting and engaging for all fans and put some money in lower league coffers. Imagine Wigan away to York, Saints at Cornwall or Leeds at Alexander Stadium v Hurricanes. Even better (this season) Hull or Cas away to Trinity!!"

A long overdue change, still heavily stacked in SL clubs favour. But at least it'll hopefully give smaller clubs a good payday. It'll also give supporters very much like us going to grounds that we've not been to in years in good numbers.

Been saying for years that it should be more like the FA Cup where you get a (slim) chance of a big shock.

A step in the right direction.