In fairness, we didn't exactly have too many big hitters playing either - mainly youngsters, trialists and players returning from injury. The idea isn't bad in theory and I like the idea of an Anglo-French version of the World Club Challenge, but the timings of the two seasons means it's going to be pretty difficult to achieve whichever way you look at it.

Hence my post earlier Matt, a double header sponsored by cheapo airlines, featuring cup winners and Championes

What was the combined attendance of all the matches being played?



773 at Leigh was their lowest turn out in 14 years. Half a team out and a lad of 16 playing in the halves and still a 34 point margin.



What a complete and utter farce made none the more bearable by the fact that this was easily predictable from the word go. Where on earth does the RFL dream up these half-baked ideas from? I mean to say, whats next - franchising?

So you admit, a stupid idea

With the weather so poor today I hope all you supporters of this new Anglo French ' tournament ' will either be heading down to PO road or at least tuning in to Premier Sports ( if you can actually access it ) to see Featherstone take on the Champions of France ( except of course they arent actually playing the French Champions, Sheffield played them yesterday ) ?

Isn't that the clubs fault for playing a weakened side then? If fans know that, why turn up. The RFL can't win. They try new things and people crap on them without giving them a go.

A weakened side that still won at a canter, in a match with no meaning, what sort of attendances do you get for academy friendlies?

That's the whole point, we rested a ton of players and still won by a big margin. Would have probably had at least 70 with a first choice side out.

Not sure how it's the RFL's fault that the people of Leigh are so insular and xenophobic they won't even come out and see their team play against a team of foreigns.



Of course, if no such competition had been organised we'd get the usual moaning from the flatcappers that the RFL don't try to improve the commercial value of the Championship.



Nope, fans of Championship clubs are obsessed with and only interested in Super League. Super League which, bizarrely, they all hate. It's a very odd complex when you think about it.

No idea, I don't have time to go watch them!

I'll let you explain how this series of non competitive matches improves the commercial value of the Championships?



Away you go

You can't see that a 'European Championship' would have more commercial value and interest, to the non-initiated or to a potential sponsor, than the usual M62 flatcap fest?



I'm happy to concede that the format needs some work, but building the profile will take time and perseverance. Of course, the usual Championship deathriders described it a farce just as soon as they found out some of the games might not be within a ferret's length of their house.