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Spotlight on the Challenge Cup - Round 5

Ryan Tandy, who was banned for life for his part in a match fixing scandal, passed away from a suspected drug overdose.
Roar Rookie
2nd May, 2014
16

The spotlight is on Challenge Cup attendances rugby league journalists have been asking if the magic of the Challenge Cup is dwindling after a series of low crowds turned out to watch Super League sides take on lower league opposition.

Hunslet took a handsome number of supporters to Wigan but the game could only muster a crowd of 4390. Warrington hosted Doncaster in front of 3002.

It wasn’t only the one-sided games that were affected either as the all-Super League ties were hit by lack of numbers.

Bradford’s excellent win over Catalan could attract just 2341, and Salford’s defeat of Widnes was watched by a meager 2630.

Leigh and Featherstone, two of the top Championship sides, played out an exciting encounter before a respectable 3664, which is roughly what you’d expect from a league game.

Castleford’s demolition of Sheffield attracted 4648.

The highest attendance of the round was also the only televised game as Leeds played St Helens at Headingley in front of a very credible 12,194.

If the cup is losing its spark among hardened rugby league fans, what can be done to re-invigorate it?

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Firstly, I think a blanket pricing structure could improve attendances and increase interest in the world’s oldest knockout competition. I understand the necessity in finding a financial balance considering the gates are split between the two sides so I’d consider a separate price for season pass holders and then a set price for adults and children that is affordable.

Secondly, I believe each team should set aide a certain amount of free tickets for local school children with a discounted price for the attending guardians.

This would improve local and community relationships between clubs and schools, and encourage children to take a greater interest in the sport we all love.

It is bitterly disappointing to see crowds in the last 16 so low and it is about time our governing body look to boost this with reasonable incentives and action plans. The potential is great.

Challenge Cup round up
Bradford made amends for their embarrassing defeat at Wigan last week with a good win at home to Catalan. The Bulls came from 14-0 down and Jamie Foster scored 20 points in the 33-20 victory.

Warrington breezed past Doncaster at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. Chris Bridge scored four tries and 10 goals in a personal 36-point haul and Kevin Penny crossed for a hat trick in their 68-0 win.

Leeds inflicted St Helens’ third straight defeat in all competitions. Zak Hardaker grabbed a brace and Kevin Sinfield kicked six goals in a 32-12 win to proceed to the next Round.

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Championship leaders Leigh beat Featherstone and Keighley booked their place in the quarter finals thanks to victory away at Swinton.

Widnes march on after an impressive display earned them a scalp at Salford. Rhys Hanbury scored two of the Vikings’ five tries to go through. Wigan hammered Hunslet and Castleford put 60 on Sheffield with winger Justin Carney scoring four in an easy win.

Try of the week
Zak Hardaker’s try off the back of great work by Ryan Hall gets the nod this week. Hall’s strong running laid the platform and as he offloaded to Hardaker who spun out of Josh Jones’ clutches to dart over and score next to the posts.

A notable mention must also go to Leigh half back Ryan Brierley who scored a terrific try after weaving his way through the Featherstone line to score. Great effort.

Class in a glass
You’ve got to give it to the Championsip One side Hunslet, whose fans travelled in numbers to their game at Wigan and were vociferous throughout. Despite a heavy defeat, they sang from start to finish and saw their side score two tries against professional the Super League champions and Challenge Cup holders. Well played Hawks fans, you are a real credit to your club!

Quarter final draw
Bradford v Warrington
Leeds v Leigh
Widnes v Keighley
Wigan v Castleford

All ties are to be played on the weekend of Saturday, June 7.

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Injury update
Jordan Turner will miss the next two months after breaking a bone in his foot in St Helens 32-12 defeat against Leeds. Kyle Amor is also set for a spell on the sidelines after hurting his knee. Rob Burrow broke his collarbone in the same game is likely to miss 12 weeks.

Castleford have been dealt a triple injury blow after Ryan Boyce received the news he requires a knee reconstruction and will miss the rest of the season, Nathan Massey has had an ankle operation with an expected six-eight week recovery period, and Dan Fleming has a back injury.

Player movements
The loan market shows no signs of slowing down, especially at Odsal where Bradford continue to add players to their squad on a temporary basis. This week the Bulls have signed Hull FC duo Jay Pitts and Joe Arundel.

Salford have brought in Hull KR full back Greg Eden, who debuted on Sunday against Widnes, for a month.

Rumour mill
Hull Kingston Rovers are keeping tabs on Wigan’s Daryl Goulding in an attempt to strengthen the centre position. Suggestions have already been that Rovers may try and sign international winger Josh Charnley, who had a loan spell at Craven Park four years ago.

Castleford are expected to announce one, perhaps two, new signings after losing three players to long-term injuries.

Benji Marshall will not be joining Salford.

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Beard watch
Josh Jones is currently displaying a full fat ginger facial warmer. As a beard aficionado and connoisseur of those who wear them, Jones’ effort, especially the lighter tint at the front, is great to see.

Final thought
It was with great sadness that I learned of Ryan Tandy’s death, at the age of 32.

Tandy played 12 times for my club, Hull KR back in 2007, laced for Widnes and Whitehaven, and represented Ireland at the 2008 World Cup. In his short time at Craven Park he became a firm fans’ favourite and put in some solid displays for us.

I have read numerous media reports, suggestions and assumptions surrounding Tandy’s untimely passing and the media have been camped outside his parents home, where his mother found him, for quite some time.

This isn’t the time for any of that. This is the time to respect Tandy’s family and friends’ privacy at such a sad time.

My thoughts are with them.

RIP big man.

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