So, putting aside that the time spent on the Magic weekend makes money, what exactly in Cumbria should we be spending time and money on?



So no problem then. It is a spectator sport and they are paid to entertain us. If playing in Edinburgh was dangerous they would have a point, but if f they just want to be able to play the game at their own convenience then I am sure they are many amateur clubs who would be happy to let them.



Crikey. When you put it like that, it really does put it into stark contrast. And I thought soccer fans had it tough when every year they hope that their teams will fail to qualify to play in Europe.

Michael.

There was some crazy talk of a soccer European Champions League at one point, but I believe it was rightly laughed out of court when the players' rep expertly advised that if you added such a comp on to the Premier League, FA Cup, internationals etc. all the poor loves would "burn out".

As for the risible plan of travelling for games in places as far afield as France, there and back in mid-week, well, you only have to say it to know how absurd a plan it was.

And apart from all that, if (say) Chelsea were to play (say) Barcelona on some random wet Tuesday, it is stating the obvious that not a single fan would travel, the game would be playd in an empty stadium.

You have to wonder at the mentality of the people who come up with these weird plans. No, a maximum of 5 games a year, against teams no more than 20 miles away, [ithat's[/i how you'll get quality.

I think he is on to something you know.

I mean, why would you want to take the game to a new area? Why would you want to promote the competition in a place that hopefully one day will have its own team?


I say we stop this rubbish and get back to the way it should be! Play St Helens vs Wigan 15 times a year, don't take the game to new areas, we want more Castleford vs Wakefield damn it!


Sure, sure, the growing profile of the game and the money that flows through the sport from these new areas pays for the wages of players like Graham, who would probably be digging ditches of he couldn't play footy, but all that is beside the point!


What we need to is contract the sport entirely. I have to say, I'm a bit annoyed that we went beyond the limits of Huddersfield 113 years ago. What was wrong with just playing exhibition games in the field next to the George Hotel, thats all we really need.


So yeah, Graham is right. Stuff Magic Weekend. Its all just a waste of time that generates money, exposure, that opens doors and helps the game grow.


I for one want all that to end!

That's easily the best post you've ever written!

Noone is suggesting such a fixture list. The real concern should be Graham having to play 35 games last year, and his captain Jamie Peacock having to play 39 matches in 2008 - yet their Kangaroo opponent Petero Civoniceva and Kiwi opponent Nathan Cayless each only played 29 games in 2008, in effect getting 6 and 10 weeks more rest & recovery time.

Wahey, only took 6 pages until someone realised what Graham actually meant.

why did he not say that then?

why say it now?

what has a trip to Edinburgh got to do with that?

why did he not say whether he is he willing to take the requisite pay cut?

I must admit, when Graham said about time and money being spent in Cumbria I was too stupid to realize he was actually referring to the number of games players have to take part in in the NRL.

Michael.

WHy should he take a pay cut?

Less games?