no

I suggested on another thread to make the draw local for the first round the super league teams come in.



This would throw up some quality local derbies like Wigan v Saints or some smaller derbies which would draw the fans in at that level but you could also end up with Leigh v Wigan which would be quality.



We see too many poor ties, we need a way of getting more mouthwatering fixtures.

I would consider changing the cup so some super league clubs enter in round 4 and some in round 5, say the top 8 from the previous season in round 5. England could play a 2nd game against the Exiles over the weekend of round 4.

Maybe if it was coupled with the "home teams starts with 1/2 point advantage …" idea ????

thats my thinking

Nah leave the cup as it is. Whilst earlier round cup attendances aren't good they appear to be following a trend that affects other sports in this country too. FA Cup earlier rounds aren't as well attended as regular league games too. I think there has been an increase in season ticket holders compared to "pay on the gate"ers and so if it's not on the season ticket people are reluctant to pay extra since playoff games are generally less attended too.

The semis and final of the cup are doing fine though. The Challenge Cup Final (especially now it's back at Wembley) is still a big draw for people and 80 odd thousand people at the final is good enough for me.



I think a bit of tweaking around ticketing, marketing & ticket prices for the earlier rounds would be beneficial but I wouldn't agree with any major changes.

Although any tweaking is not helped by the dubious attitude the BBC appears to have towards the Challenge Cup.

Obviously, what with the easy draws Leeds always get in the cup. Like being drawn against Hull, Wigan & Saints last year.

Why?



The balls would still be chosen at random?

For me, all Super League teams should be drawn away from home to a Championship/1 side, still giving them a good chance of going through, but giving the Championship sides a chance to upset the big boys and make some money.



Just using FC as an example this weekend, chances are Oldham will lose money on the game with us this weekend with all of our pass holders getting in for free. If it was played at Oldham it would (probably) be a sell out and would give them a big pay day if nothing else.

And all your pass holders would still get in for free , except the White Bank stadium only holds around a 1,000 , so how would that make any money for Oldham ?

Its another of tricky dickies stupid ideas,oh lets get the crowds up for earlier rounds they all get in for free,so were is the so called benefit for the lower league teams,oh I forgot we don't count just as long as the figure munches can claim the game is growing by giving away even more free tickets.....can't wait until its a quid to go to wembley at this rate

Has some merit. Would benefit championship clubs instead of hindering them. There is a lot to be gained from a super league club visiting moreso if it's a local one.



Last time I heard the idea about championship clubs scrapping for a mere one place in the challenge cup against SL teams the argument was that super leagus clubs shouldn't be lowering themselves. That wasn't the wording, it was nonsense about prestige and lower crowds than usual, even though many championship clubs recieve a life line by playing one fixture a season against SL oppo.



I'd be more comfortable with the same amount of games being played but with a local rivalry twist. It wouldn't be completely exact of course but it's good thinking nonetheless.