Why the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final was a travesty this year - Yorkshire Post Letters
From: Bob Swallow, Townhead Avenue, Settle.
Re: Rugby League Challenge Cup Final, May 30. This final held at Wembley should be the showcase for Rugby League. Instead this year it turned out to be a travesty.
Why, quite simply the Wigan Coach had the week before when the same two teams met in the league played with one exception a second string thereby ensuring his first team had a full two weeks break before the final.
I imagine the Wigan board must have given the nod to this action. I find it difficult to imagine the Wigan players had any say in the matter, they like Hull KR are a first rate team. As a result of all this, Wigan won at a canter. Thousands of fans from all over the country were robbed of what should have been a classic showpiece and Rugby League was shown to be in a league similar to some of the antics in professional soccer.
I hope the powers that be will take appropriate action to prevent any such situation occurring again.
Finally, My wife and I have been Rugby League fans for approaching 70 years albeit in recent times in front of the telly. We switched this off before the finish in disgust. By the way we still are followers of Leeds Rhinos!
Rugby League can be an incredible sport, don't let it be ruined by the actions of a few.