Sports   (Talk about balls here.)

I don't think RL has failed as a game. The game ie what happens on the pitch is great. The players at the top end of the game are some of the fittest sportsmen in any sport.

The working class image has stuck with the game. RL came about from a class struggle. It has remained there and will remain there as long as it is treated as a second class sport.

The media (BBC) made sure it never got popular by having terrible commentators. Eddie Waring loved RL, but his manner and accent did not endure the game to southern population. Ray French didn't help either. Both knowledgeable guys, but they never got through to the uneducated in t'south!
There is still a north / south divide in this country in many aspects, with sport being one of them. (although lots of Man Utd fans live down in the south

Although it is never spoken about much down south, I still smile when I ask folk "what is Wigan famous for?"

"Rugby League" is normally the answer.

Lets hope the CC this weekend will encourage more to watch this game.

Jay - I've yet to be convinced that you're a RL fanatic !

A fanatic is someone who has a belief or behavior involving uncritical zeal. You may like the game, but you are very, very critical of Wigan RL.

You are a football fanatic