Also, if people from the area do come along and like what they see, what do we expect them to do? They are the best part of two hours away from their nearest Super League club

Perhaps you should ask Edinburgh Warrior.

How many hours away from Wembley is the nearest NFL club?

I'm not saying no one travels massive distances to watch rugby. Just that it wouldn't be worth putting on this big event just to pick up literally a handful of fanatics who will then make the effort to drive 2 hours to be able to watch the week after. The idea is obviously to provide an event for the majority of teams who won't be involved in either final and a good money-spinner for the sport.

If more than a handfull come along and like what they see maybe they will go to watch Gateshead and still enjoy Rugby League.

The World Cup enjoyed great attendances in many far flung places. Did any of that have any noticeable effect on attendances this year either in Super League or the Championship?

Unfortunately, it is the case that people enjoy an 'event' but they aren't much interested in attending on a weekly basis.