The ground will need more than one test event before all the safety certificates can get signed off. As I recall, the Widnes game will be played in front of a reduced capacity crowd.

That being the case a subsequent match with Manly with full capacity allowed doesn't seem like pie in the sky to me.

It could be on. www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/ ... 6197195647

It could be on. www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/ ... 6197195647

If it is the case, I would say its a must that we get this one sold out with a massive marketing push. Free entry to season ticket holders and "friendly match rates" for the rest. We need to kick off life in the new stadium with a bang without just assumiing we'll get the crowds because we've a new ground.

There's normally the danger that people won't turn out in numbers for a friendly. It might not be the actual WCC, but imagine if we beat Manly!? What an acheivement that would be, and what a night we could make of it. It would also leave them shaking in their boots for when they play Leeds.

So that would mean Saints opening home fixture we/ 10/11/12 Feb(Bradford?) would be postponed.
Can't see Bradford being too happy.

Bovvered!

Nah. Discount yes, free no.

Why should people watch an extra game against the Oz champs for nowt?

More importantly for the Club as a business, why miss out on a good commercial opportunity.

Not Necessarily.. start the season a week early just like Leeds...?

All teams are starting on the weekend of the the 2/3/4 Feb.

And Leeds game against ..... thats meant to played on the 17th Feb is going to be played when?

It will be squeezed in midweek at some point and whoever is their opposition get to play three games in 10 days, just as Cas had to in order to facilitate Wigan playing in last year's WCC.

Great planning by the RFL, as per usual.