Why is it that people are seemingly thinking the best bet is "a RU area" such as Leicester, because then all the Onion fans will flock to see these games, and then switch codes?



This is arrant nonsense. The LAST people to be aiming at is Onion converts. It's just the same as if, say, Onion held an Odsal Magic event to kick of their season. (a) would anyone on here who doesn't already watch RU go? and (b) if yes, is there any reasonable chance they would be 'converted' from RL to Union?



No? Thought as much.

Exactly we should look at sorting out the problems in RL's heartland first and then expand slowly aiming at areas where RL seems viable not RU strongholds. We aren't going to wake up the morning after a Magic weekend to see RL fans everywhere and the RFL need to accept that progress and expansion will take time.

If we're pushing the Magic Weekend as a showpiece event then it makes sense to put it in the heartlands.



The main thing that RL needs is money. More money in the game means more interest from higher profile sponsors. Higher profile sponsors will lead to higher exposure.



But you're not going to get that with half empty stadia.



Having the Magic Weekend in Manchester means that the fans going don't need to spend as much money on transport and accommodation. Which is going to mean more people will consider going and perhaps buying weekend tickets instead of just going for the day their team is playing. IMO the whole weekend thing should have been in the heartlands from the start, get it as a solid point on the RL calendar like the GF and CC, get good crowds for it ( and I don't mean 60k over the weekend, I mean 60k in the stadium both days) then consider using it as an expansion tool and put it in places like Cardiff and Edinburgh. Maybe make it a every 3rd year on the road event.

If we end up with Millennium Magic at the Etihad Stadium then it is absolutely essential that it is a total sellout on both days. And I mean absolutely packed to the rafters with a jumping atmosphere! The RL need to go to town and create a massive carnival atmosphere with fireworks, pre-match (and between match) entertainment, loads of clowns, stilt walkers, fire breathers etc.



It needs to be an incredible event IMO - otherwise we're going to be looking pretty pathetic. Basically if we can't pull off a decent event in Manchester we might as well dump the idea altogether.



The stadium holds 47,000 according to Wikipedia, so it really ought to be possible to pack it out both days. But the RL need to get it announced ASAP, tell us the fixtures and come up with some cracking promotional offers for families etc.

I just can not believe the RL it’s a great weekend some where you can stay over meet fans of other teams have a great time with friend and foes alike, but Manchester in a brick dessert I ask you, it will bomb but I will go and just watch the Wire but if where to be at Cardiff I would go again watch all the games stay over for 2/3 nights and have a great time. Yet again step the wrong way.

If they do it as before, with contrived "local derbies" and counting for SL points, then we will almost certainly see the champions playing a team that finished well outside the playoffs. That is grossly unfair - again, and for that reason I want nothing to do with any of it.



Wonder if they will gift Wire a probable two points as well by having them play Widnes? Assuming Wigan get Saints, how would they view that?



It is contrived. And it is wrong.

Well its obviously going to count for SL points, otherwise nobody would even bother turning up with their first team squads.



I agree on the derbies issue. It's easily solved. Just go 1v2, 3v4 and so on



Wire v Wigan

Saints v Hudds

Leeds v Cats

Hull v KR

Bulls vs Cas

Salford vs London

Wakey V Widnes



Looks OK to me. Wire vs Wigan as the top billing on one day, and the Hull derby on the other.

Could not agree more. Have said precisely that previously, and I will change my stance if they do those - some cracking fixtures there. But it is so sensible that it has no chance of being adopted...

The RFL need to decide if they want a mid-season Summertime 'festival of rugby' type event which it used to be or if they use the Magic concept to open the season. I loathe the 'magic' part of the name btw.



Either name it something similar to 'The Big Kick-Off 2012' or if they are intent on the derby games or playing it mid season then names along the lines of 'Super League Summer Classic' or 'Rugby League Rivalry Weekend'. 'Magic Weekend' sounds too vague and tacky. People unfamiliar to the game may get an idea what it is if you mention the Sport in the marketing.

Fair enough, that fixture list would be good but IMO the proper derbies are much better, so there should be a mix of the two!



Warrington v Wigan

Huddersfield v Saints

Bradford v Leeds

Cas v Wakey

Hull FC v Hull KR

Salford v Widnes

Quins v Catalans



This would be my preferred choice.

And, on paper, gift Leeds two points at our expense - which could make the difference between finishing in the play-offs or outside? And, I fear if we have another year like last, between survival and oblivion?

1v2 3v4 etc etc but based on the week before, so you only know who you are getting at the last minute.