Hasn't there been record attendances for the first round? And the addition of games on terrestrial TV will only help build interest.

Another 6 to go.

Attendance numbers for this weekend suggests that you are pissing in the wind.

Grand final attendances are going down, that’s what I meant. By witnessed, I meant it literally, people at the ground when it happens.

I see what you mean. They have dropped in recent years.

Is it down to interest waning, or external factors such as increased cost of living and a recession? Attendances dropped around 2008 when personal finances had to be tightened in a similar way, but then increased again when the recession ended. Afterall, a final day is an expensive day out for most people.

I believe there was record TV viewing figures for the playoffs and the Grand Final last year which seems to suggest that the interest is still there.

Its a very good observation, add to that a global pandemic which put the breaks in people mixing and breaks habits like final attendance. If you look at the drop off in demand across a range of services (eg cinema attendance) I imagine the patterns are similar.

After last night it’s obvious that St Helens will be stopped. It’s clear to see that the refs have been told to make sure Warrington win at all costs

Nothing to do with Salfords discipline that led to 2 8 point tries being awarded?

It definitely looked like discipline and fitness was the reason for the final score to me. Although Smith continued his tradition of making some questionable decisions, he definitely didn't lose Salford the game.

Remember when I said Leeds only ever bring a minibus to St Helens despite their fans saying they were the best supported team in super league? Only to be called a troll by said Leeds fans?…….lol