Re: 2021 Challenge Cup Semi-Final Draw : Wed May 12, 2021 4:10 pm  

ComeOnYouUll wrote:

Why did they book the venue six months ago with no indication of Covid restrictions so far ahead?

The fixture was scheduled 6 months ago, not booked.

Re: 2021 Challenge Cup Semi-Final Draw : Wed May 12, 2021 4:14 pm  

ComeOnYouUll wrote:

Why did they book the venue six months ago with no indication of Covid restrictions so far ahead? The RFL are a shambles.

The semis should be both at Huddersfield, one on the Saturday and one on the Sunday.

The double header hasn't worked in previous years and certainly won't with a reduced attendance. Cas and Warrington supporters aren't going to turn up until near the end of our semi and Hull/Saints supporters will leave as soon as our game finishes. The winners will want to go for a beer and the losers will just want to go home.

You certainly don't do a double header in a year when capacity is limited anyway!

Even RL 10k is too small for 4 teams..... let alone 3k!

Re: 2021 Challenge Cup Semi-Final Draw : Wed May 12, 2021 4:26 pm  

You wouldn't expect anything else from this joke of a governing body . It's one pathetic decision after another of incompetence by the RFL .It's no wonder fans have had enough of these clowns .

Re: 2021 Challenge Cup Semi-Final Draw : Wed May 12, 2021 5:24 pm  

As soon as I saw it was a triple header I suggested Huddersfeild, central to all clubs, reasonable access, all seating and bigger crowd. WTF Leigh Sports Village, smaller, standing areas, pig to get in and out. Beggars belief Oh and reading the official RFL explanation was nearly as bad as listening to the legal eagle last week.

Re: 2021 Challenge Cup Semi-Final Draw : Wed May 12, 2021 5:47 pm  

Armavinit wrote:

As soon as I saw it was a triple header I suggested Huddersfeild, central to all clubs, reasonable access, all seating and bigger crowd. WTF Leigh Sports Village, smaller, standing areas, pig to get in and out. Beggars belief Oh and reading the official RFL explanation was nearly as bad as listening to the legal eagle last week.

I have mentioned this before when you have a major game on the BBC and a chance for a lot more non rugby league fans to watch the game its needs to be played at one of the better stadiums as it shows the game in a more professional manor.
Playing semi finals at a small community stadium like Leigh does not enhance the game nor the viewing on TV as the cameras at this ground are positioned too low.
Anyone watching an earlier round London Broncos match with York it looked like it was played on a park pitch.It was embarrassing knowing people not up to speed with R/L would think it was an amateur sport.
It really needs the four semi finalists to say no to this decision.There is plenty of time to change the venue.If they refuse to play then something has to change.
Also what happens if Castleford Ladies play St Helens Ladies in the final which is likely.
Where does their allocations go?
Obviously to the parent club which again is unfair and no thought put into the process.

Re: 2021 Challenge Cup Semi-Final Draw : Wed May 12, 2021 6:03 pm  

ComeOnYouUll wrote:

Why did they book the venue six months ago with no indication of Covid restrictions so far ahead? The RFL are a shambles.

The semis should be both at Huddersfield, one on the Saturday and one on the Sunday.

The double header hasn't worked in previous years and certainly won't with a reduced attendance. Cas and Warrington supporters aren't going to turn up until near the end of our semi and Hull/Saints supporters will leave as soon as our game finishes. The winners will want to go for a beer and the losers will just want to go home.

Exactly.

How the hell did they know what restrictions would be in place in six months time.

Why no mention that Leigh would be the venue when the decision was made. Aren't the venues of the semi finals usually decided after errr after the quarter finals.

Unlikely perhaps but what if Leigh made the semi's.

If they had some agreement with the BBC and had to have had a triple header why not play it at a bigger stadium. Huddersfield is double the capacity all seated and a fairer location.

Better still have it on separate days. Safer less teams/supporters from different towns travelling on the same day.

Mindboggling.

Re: 2021 Challenge Cup Semi-Final Draw : Wed May 12, 2021 6:05 pm  

Marcus's Bicycle wrote:

Why no mention that Leigh would be the venue when the decision was made.

Because it wasn't.

Re: 2021 Challenge Cup Semi-Final Draw : Wed May 12, 2021 6:27 pm  

It buggers belief if that a sports governing body can say that the venue is, ' geographically located somewhere accessible for the fans' when Saints and Warrington fans can go on their bikes whilst we have to do a 206 mile round trip. No wonder Super league wanted to break away from this lot what a farce. But is anyone surprised?

Re: 2021 Challenge Cup Semi-Final Draw : Wed May 12, 2021 6:49 pm  

ccs wrote:

Because it wasn't.

Fair enough. The event not the venue.

Re: 2021 Challenge Cup Semi-Final Draw : Wed May 12, 2021 6:56 pm  

The Dentist Wilf wrote:

It buggers belief if that a sports governing body can say that the venue is, ' geographically located somewhere accessible for the fans' when Saints and Warrington fans can go on their bikes whilst we have to do a 206 mile round trip. No wonder Super league wanted to break away from this lot what a farce. But is anyone surprised?

I guess it depends whether you believe this statement....

We are grateful to Leigh Sports Village and the four Semi-Finalists for the way that they have worked with us to get to this stage and to the BBC for their live coverage of all 3 games meaning that those fans who are unable to attend in person at the stadium can still watch the game live on TV