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.

Smart ass!

And a realist, like me, is one who spends his working life protecting organisations - from the damage that can arise from relying on over-optimism, whilst failing to recognise and take precautions against the consequences of what could arise if their optimism proves unfounded.

If we DO get Leeds, and if we DO get the points (despite the inevitable Ganson and the Vidref) then that is a superb bonus. But should we NOT, and that makes the difference between 8th and 9th (and based on the "where will we finish" threads most folk seem to be thinking we will scrape 8th) then I fear we may not have a club for the following season.

That said, if we play like last year, and anyway given how otehr teams have strengthened, we are unlikely to be favourites against ANYONE.

The derby thing is wrong, as indeed is the whole idea of an uneven fixture list when some teams play other teams a different number of times.

I for one am happy the magic weekend is being held up north so to speak, we have had the weekend at each end of the country for the past few years so why not have it a bit closer to home. I am sure some supporters have missed the experience due to the hard times and location over the past few years so this will give everybody a chance to enjoy the full game day without travelling to far for once.

I dont see anything wrong with playing it once every few years in the heartlands. It will attract fans that find it difficult to get to the more remote venues. For example. my 14 year old nephew is planning a day trip with his mates. And my neighbours are taking their kids. MM isnt particularly family friendly as its a long trip and the kids tend to get bored when their team aren't playing. But its more palatable if its a short trip and they can come home when the 9 year old has had enough.

There will be a lot fewer going for the two full days but that should be offset by more turning up for a couple of games.

Ehh???

Don't fancy your kind of puddings.