Currently wire have 2 days less turnaround. They're at cas on the Sunday.

2 cracking ties

Agree mate,the best draw for us IMO.

I can see the saints away fixture being akin to an Academy match, there will be that many players rested on both sides

I reckon they will try and change it,surely Cas couldn't complain after what they have done this year?

Well it makes a change to get a bit of luck lets hope it lasts and we beat warry but we must be on our guard against them they have had good runs to wembley

Warry would have been my choice,but its all on the day and its a lot can happen in 5 weeks and lets hope its all good.

Challenge cup final or top 8?

Why does it have to be one or the other? I'm hoping for both.

If it was a straight choice I'd go for a CC win (no point getting to a final unless your there to win it) and a middle 8 place as long as we get out of it.

Of course you would, but the CC semi, will be a big distraction though and I reckon the odds are already against you to get there.

If we win on Wednesday I reckon we will be in, chance to catch Warrington (tough fixtures) and Catalans (only one home game), but you would to win away from Hull.

The next week will go a long way to determining whether we get the 8 or not. If we beat Salford then its all on, We go level with wire who have the same cup distractions and a harder run in. Lose this and the following will irrelevant and could all be losses.
Hudds (A) can't see us getting anything from, one game too many against a rested side.
Salford (A) will be a key fixture but one we will focus on.
Derby is a lottery, but home form says we'll be marginal favourites
The last game at Saints could go either way as both teams will be looking to the following week.

All ends up the odds are against us an we've had the worst case of any of the teams that have to make a game up.
Hull and Wakey will be in the same boat come the 2nd game next weekend whereas we play Salford who have had a week off and Hudds who will have had 2 off.
Seriously uneven playing field and one I hope they address next year.

What about Venue?

I reckon Doncaster, as it would just be about right capacity wise.

Hudds is too big IMO (Shouldn't have had ours there 2 years ago), maybe Leeds, but the RFL seem to like to use the shiny stadiums.

Warrington to Donny on a Friday night would seriously hit their numbers I reckon. It's just another semi to them so I can see 5k max from Wire, whereas we should top 7/8k easy given the long time between drinks for Rovers