If there was one thing that stood out in the Challenge Cup Sixth Round, aside from the superb entertainment, it was the lack of spectators in all fixtures.
Warrington Wolves’ clash against Wakefield Trinity, for example, drew just under 3,000 supporters for a clash that was over double that the previous week against the same opponents.
And, former Sky Sports duo Eddie Hemmings and Mike ‘Stevo’ Stephenson have had their say.
“I looked at the figures, the crowds were way down,” Hemmings said on the Eddie and Stevo podcast.
“Wigan had just a shade over 6,000, the ground looked empty but that was the best attendance.
“Don’t tell me the Challenge Cup is losing its magic is it?
“It’s not a good look in the premier knockout rugby league competition.”
‘Stevo’ broached his own idea as to how clubs can improve their crowds for Challenge Cup games.
“It’s always been debatable with regards to the fact that when you buy a season ticket for your club, they never seem to put together a deal that you can use it for the Challenge Cup games,” Stevo said.
“Just add an extra couple of quid on the season ticket in the hope that if you get there, let them come in with a season ticket.
“They shouldn’t have to pay to go watch a Challenge Cup game.”