Who's betting that if Halifax and Barrow, do get through, that they play each other in the QF?

Leaving all Super League ties other than that game

Doesn't matter.

They signed up to play in the competition and it's their responsibility to get to the match on time.

It's not like they were sat at the airport when all the planes got cancelled for the day - That would be unavoidable.

They had days of pre-warning, and every other team, whether travelling to or from France, managed to get to their destination on time (or with just a slight delay in Toulouse' case).

IMO - If you sign up to a competition, you have to be wherever you need to be, on time and ready to play.

If you can't do it, then you get the boot.

It should be Widnes v Wigan & Hudds v Dire on BBC, Other than it might be relatively competitive think of what the crowd will be like for that game 4-5 thousand at a push compared to a virtually guaranteed full house in a potentially competitive game IF we play like we did yesterday and its not a million miles from a derby to some fans it is, Makes more sense to me for Widnes v Wigan on BBC assuming we don't play Lezignon of course.

I don't care.

Call me harsh, but if the club signs up to play in (let's face it) OUR cup competition, then THEY have to meet the requirements of playing both wherever and whenever they are told.

If the reason for not travelling was unforeseen (as mentioned previously), then fine.

If (as in this case) they knew full well that they wouldn't be able to travel one way (plane), then they - like EVERY OTHER TEAM AFFECTED - have to make alternative arrangements.

I would assume that the RFL would be paying for travel and accommodation for Lezignan as they did for Leigh going to Limoux and I believe they do so for all of Toulouse's matches. In my view they do not have the cost excuse and did not do all they could to attend the match when 3 other clubs with the same travel problems all did. Lezignan's inactivity in not travelling by road or rail should see them forfeit the tie. I said so a few days ago when Leigh, Salford and Toulouse had all set off by road and Lezignan would not and I stand by it. Widnes should get a bye.

Just desserts for Blackpool getting leeds away after a sensational performance today, defended 80% of first half yet haven looked shattered by half time, just got to say a massive thanks to wigan for allowing neil holland to play he was awesome today, some huge defence but his intercept and going 60m early in second half despite getting caught, seemed to give us the belief that we could win it, and through some great play we did, now then leave us to deal with the rhinos, we'll do the job hull didn't

Well if you have a look on the RFL site they are clearly not going to award the tie to Widnes as they are talking to both clubs about when the tie can be played.

It might not have been possible for Lezignan to make it though with work commitments etc. Leigh were flying out Thursday Night anway I think so could drop a hat and go on Thursday! Lezignan were due to fly on Saturday Morning I think I read. A big difference. Salford are full time so could just leave straight away. Not sure what Toulouse had planned but they only made St Helens with 50 minutes to spare and like I said they play here on Thursday anyway (I'm assuming they'll stay here). So I think its harsh to criticise Lezignan. We don't know what they had planned. But I doubt it could have been easy for them to make the trip compared to the other three.

It was announced at the Saints match last night that Tolouse would be going straight back home due to work committments.

Ah right. They are just explaining on GMR that there just wasn't a chance for Lezignan to travel due to work commitments by the way.

By the way - Can anyone tell me just exactly WHY French (and Russian) clubs were/are allowed in to the ENGLISH Challenge Cup?

I can understand them in SL. after all, it is the European SuperLeague.

However, the cup is OURS.

I never believed that the French should be in it, and this situation just makes me believe that even more.

And as to this:


Thanks - You just proved my point, if that really IS what they think.

Let them go back to playing in a cráppy, provincial cup within France. Especially if they can't be ârsed to travel over here for a pre-arranged game.

Ah but the flat cappers can't understand that.

If by "flat cappers" you are referring to me (or people with the same opinions as me on this subject), feel free.

The fact is that LEZIGNAN (the club - Not the players) asked to be allowed in to OUR cup competition.

Regardless of what jobs their individual players hold, the TEAM has to be available as and when required to play the cup games.

How about if the RFL try to arrange the game for a Wednesday evening, but Lezignan refuse, because half of their team have to work.

What then? Wait for a free weekend, or even delay a Championship fixture for Widnes?

Why should Widnes be forced into a fixture backlog, just because the French side can't get a team together - After all, that's what they're saying isn't it?

They are telling us that they should be given special dispensation to play the game as and when THEY want to, just because their players have to work.

As far as I'm concerned - TOUGH !!!!!

You wanted in, you got in - Now play by the rules or not at all.

All home wins.

Great draw for us! Hopefully wire will be out.

We just need another easy draw after this and we are in the semis, I'm happy with that.

What, you think Wig-nes or froggies will beat a full strength Wigan team in 3 weeks?

Come on mate, Wigan dont stand a chance, were talking the cream of rugby league in Widnes.

Hope we get some players back from injury, or we will get stuffed.Can we borrow ben davies and liam farrell so it will even the game up please.

Serious looking forward to you bringing a decent following, as i am fed up of clubs bringing a taxi load.

Good draw for us. If we win, would want either the Halifax or Barrow tie in the QF's.

Just hope they get the Widnes game sorted asap so that we know what day we will be playing.

i recon we'l pretty much fill the away end.always enjoy going to widnes and hopefully it will be a decent game!

So in 1992 Wigan should have been made to forfeit the Cup game v Warrington as they were in Australia playing in a sevens competition?

What a load of utter cr@p.

IMO - Yes.

Either that, or send a team of kids.

Whatever it takes to fulfil your COMMITMENT to the competitions that YOU CHOSE to sign up to.

(And no - I wasn't around for that game, and have no idea whether you're posing a hypothetical or a real question. Although I assume from your tone that this situation actually occurred).

The simple fact is, if you ASK and then COMMIT to be in a competition every year, then you are committed ALL the time - NOT just when it suits you.

So the circumstances that meant they couldn't make it are irrelevant?