Will be interesting to see what happens with the semi-final scheduling. If Saints finish top that means we should be playing our home SF on Friday 16th September however that would mean Wigan (if they finish 2nd) playing their home SF at 12:30 the next day. However that's not possible as Wigan Athletic are at home that day.

Saints will resist swapping (and rightly so) as the team finishing top should get the extra days rest (as per previously) so another option would be Wigan forced to play elsewhere.

Very interested to see what happens.

Thought the winners played Thursday and the other match Friday

Ashton Bears wrote:Thought the winners played Thursday and the other match Friday No mate. The dates have been confirmed and broadcast partners. Friday and Saturday. The below explains it https://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/news/206 ... emi-final/

Ashton Bears wrote:Thought the winners played Thursday and the other match Friday No mate. The dates have been confirmed and broadcast partners. Friday and Saturday. The below explains it https://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/news/206 ... emi-final/

Bilko just confirmed the grand final winners have had a days less rest in each year since 2013 bar one, so it’s not the supposed hard luck story Saints fans are bulling up.

They’ll be moaning about injuries next…

As hard as it might be to not do it, painting Saints as the villains isn't right. This have every right to say no to moving their game to accommodate a football match.

Why should they move from a Friday 8pm slot, because Latics are at home. It's wrong and a backwards approach from Saints, Us or RL to move even an inch to accommodate it.

So what? If we finish top of the table we deserve the extra days rest.

It’s not our fault you don’t own your own stadium. If you can’t stage the game then you should play somewhere else.

It’s not a hard luck story, it’s doing what we are allowed to do.

I hope Saints fight it all the way if it goes against us.

Quote "Discussions are currently taking place about the scheduling, but it is unlikely that Saints would willingly want to swap their Friday for a Saturday and forego their extra day of preparation".
Surely it should say "If they win" after that or do they think it's a foregone conclusion that they are going to win?
.

In the article that I posted the link to it does say (should they win)

Would be a real shame if this causes issues.

Aside from the extra day prep if we got through, there is clearly a big advantage to playing your home semi at the same time on the same day you usually play all your home games. All the routines are well established and everything feels like it should.

I don’t think Saints should give that up but it’s a real shame this is raising its head again.

Sky have the pick of the games and they have the Friday game with Channel four having the Saturday game. The previous advantage has now gone as Sky will make the decision.