AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final (Wakefield Trinity v Sheffield Eagles, 5.45pm)Hebblethwaite; timekeeper Andrew Hardcastle.
1968 memories right there

You could say that Trinity and Sheffield are amongst the best sides in their competition. The only difference is the CC name.

The best in the women’s game but it’s in its infancy as a league and sport. There’s only 8 teams and probably only 4 teams that are competitive amongst each other.

When you compare this to the championship and even league one in many areas I’d suspect it’s not on the same level or even close as it stands in regards to attendances, revenue, sponsors and structures. It’s I suspect to piggyback early attendees from the men’s CC for the media exposure but it’s only in name that’s it’s an elite trophy and that’s why it’s probably getting the push.

The only reason I’m comparing is because the lack of coverage for the 1895 though. As a sport I’m happy to see the women’s game grow in its own right and get exposure though i suspect it will not for a very long time in its own right become professional though and/or self sustainable as its own entity. Though admittedly I’m not sure what the plans are for the future of women’s rugby league.

That said and this is going back to a recent topic that I think Vastman posted (apologies if it wasn’t) that the Championship is severely lacking in any media profile and effectively left to fend for itself. This is a further example of that I suppose. It’s just a shame. I think strengthening the championship and league one would ultimately strengthen the sport as a whole. How to drive that investment though is another question but no tv deal for the championship or anything significant for sponsorship I can see isn’t really showing there’s passion to grow the levels below SL or any future plans from the governing body.

No you can't.
Not everyone is eligible to play.

The 1895 is for championship and league one and the two clubs are amongst the best of those eligible within those competition of which all are eligible. So you can say that the 1895 is an elite trophy/competition for the championship and below.

can't disagree... whichever winger misses out they have every right to be disappointed.

Toughest choice to make imo for Powell. Can’t really carry a winger on the bench either.

Purely on this season I’d go Walmsley and Olpherts as McGillvray missed a big wedge of the season. Honestly though I could understand if he went with any of the 3 but I think we could use Walmsley pace and try scoring ability for this one. You pick your best.

Not heard anything about Thornley so Croft could be in with a chance of turning out in that centre spot possibly too.

Thornley was a guest speaker in Hospitality last Fri night and said he would be fine for the game and also seemed confident of being included.

If we go with Thornley and McGilvery on the right hand side, is there too much risk of one of them not managing the 80 ?
If they're both fully fit, they should play but, if not, it's a fair old risk starting them both.

So.....not elite then.

I can see the point you are making and you’re not wrong but regardless i don’t think it’s right for the 1895 to be an afterthought and not given equal coverage.

Afterall, someone has decided that it’s worthy of being part of the days events at Wembley. How is the championship and league one supposed to grow and get sponsorship/tv deals of any value (which is one current holdback) to help the sport at that level grow when one of its major finals isn’t even on national tv at Wembley. There just doesn’t seem the appetite from above.

Just accept that it will never have equal status with the Challenge Cup, nor should it...just as the League Cup will never have the same status as the FA Cup, or the 'Hub Cap' will never be equal to the Grand Final trophy. It doesn't make it any less important to the clubs contesting it, but I for one see it as a stepping stone rather than the objective. Doesn't mean I'll not enjoy being at Wembley to see Trinity play for a trophy, but I'll still be dreaming about seeing them lift the Challenge Cup before I shuffle off this mortal coil.

Can't see DP taking a chance with either if that's the case.
Head will definately rule heart........

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Ryan Hampshire has been named in the Wigan squad
Jordan Crowther is in the Warrington squad