Didnt even fill the Halliwell Jones last season for a semi-final after complaints on boths side that it was "to small".

We might as well argue about LP and the Allianz Arena, since Wigan can't play cup quarter finals there either.

It's wonderful to see the Pie Eaters sweat over this. Normally I'd feel some measure of sympathy and the RL fan in me would prevail, but with the amount of arrogant stick they've dished out over Langtree Park (i.e. bravado to cover their jealousy) about their fantastic stadium and their wonderful rental agreement that is so preferable to ownership, their smearing and mud-slinging about Langtree Park being half-finished and a financial white elephant, it's very enjoyable indeed.

FIOS indeed

I ain't got the time or will to read thru all this but what's the latest on where it's being played?

Ian Leneghan was on Wish FM tonight saying that a decision will be made by the RFL within 36 hours. This is in accordance with operational rules as nobody could agree on when and where to play it. Whelan wants the game played on Friday night and Leneghan, being his puppy dog, has been pushing for that. But the BBC don't screen sports on a Friday night (I don't remember them ever doing so, so it isn't a shock, like). Hence, stalemate.

So I believe the decision now lies with the RFL. Why on earth the RFL did not insist Wigan make contingency plans in the event of this happening I do not know, given that it happened two years ago in the playoffs.

Still not sorted! Reading between the lines I think Whelan and Wigan want the BBC to relent on this and let Sky televise the game on Friday night so it can be played at DW stadium. I think the BBC will not relent on this at the moment as they have the right to choose the pick of the ties as their flagship Saturday afternoon game. Its a farce, had Wigan owned their own ground or had a better rental agreement we would not be in this mess. It should heve been resolved today, clearly it has not so where do we go from here. I think I have read comments on here and redvee suggesting every stadium in the northwest of England to stage the game.

Another 36 hours is a complete joke.

The RFL should simply now instruct Wigan to either play the game on the Saturday at the DW and if they can't they have to find an alternative venue because there is no way the BBC should give up the fixture.

The BBC have shown Six Nations Rugby Union on a Friday night before.

And would have been planned months in advance around the TV schedule not less than a forthnight

So?

Our CC fixtures have been played on a Saturday and Sunday for years. Wigan should have sorted a neutral venue when it was clear - as it was to the rest of the world, so obviously it would be to Wigan - that Whelan wouldn't budge.

As it is, the RFL will decide. Not that that fills me with confidence.

There is no logical reason it can't be played at the DW on Saturday afternoon.
A pathetic bylaw of another sport should be wigan athletics problem, not Wigan RLFC.
Wigan athletic only have a stadium because of Wigan RLFC and if they have to have their own they should be forced to build their own!

Except that it isn't even a bylaw of another sport. The Premier League only stipulates that the pitch should be in good condition. This 24 hour BS is Whelan's rule alone. Hull FC played the day before Hull City when City were in the Premiership. It's all nonsense and everybody else can do nothing at all about their quarter finals because of it. The RFL should get this sorted with Wigan once and for all because not only does this situation put pressure on everyone else, it makes the sport look ridiculous.

What amazes me is that the debate is all about where Wigan will play, there's no worry about getting Saint in the draw.

well that's even worse then! If Whelan can't see how much extra cash he'll make from 20k supporters eating and drinking in his stadium i'm shocked!

I think he's just an ego on legs.

Wigan knew the challenge cup date could clash with Latics even before the last round but seem to have made no effort to plan an alternative.

So you said this.



So shut up.

Play nicely!!

No it didn't. It happened 4 years ago.

dont come on a saints board and start telling a saints supporter on a saints board to shut up.
do one.

That sort of money is bus fare compared to Latics staying in the PL.

very true, but it has no bearing on that

If Whelan has told Martinez that he won't let RL be played the day before a Latics game, it certainly does.

I don['t know that as fact, but it certainly wouldn't surprise me.