After over fifteen years we still have no real clear idea of what the thing is for, yet we continue to plough on The original idea was to promote the game in Wales in preparation for Super League at last being successful there - I went to the first few (a Broncos fan living in Southampton so direct train to Cardiff!) - they were great but self evidently did not succeed As has already been said why team up with IMG then cherry pick their plans?
In the NRL the plan is clear - its a celebration of the game played in the heartland; not an additional fixture either just a regular round I had the good fortune to be at the first one and it was really a fantastic event And as they know what its for and who to target, all three days this year were sold out!

This!

Lack of a clear purpose is a big problem, I agree its worrying we are paying IMG for ideas then ignoring them...

Our clubs would moan about losing a home game though

But we also shouldn't just blindly follow IMG on every opinion that they have (and a say this as a big supporter of having IMG involved), after all they are still relatively new to the sport + are still human beings. If the clubs, players, governing body & Sky all seem pretty unanimous that a decisions would be going against the best interests of all parties and feel that IMG have overlooked something / come to an incorrect conclusion then i am glad that we are willing to speak up about that.

I would hope that we are taking all of IMG's opinions and idea's with an open mind and we do seem to be doing that, as the voting results so far seems to indicate, but we also shouldn't give in and follow their every word if there is reasons for it being a wrong move, hopefully backed up with evidence and not surbbornness.

Agree, SKY have a big part to play though, let's be honest if they said they want us to play 5 a side at 2am on a Wednesday morning the game would say 'yes Sir' and do it!

No one cares about the challenge cup. The challenge cup should be scrapped before magic weekend.

And before the usual Leigh, Wakefield and Salford fans get on my back, they would all rather go to magic weekend to watch their team play than to a cup final that they will never be in despite having to only win 3 games. So IMGs reasoning is completely wrong.

It could be a great event but its just lost its way for me and its meaning. Even the clubs seem to be wearing anything other then there actual colours which is really bizarre given its an opportunity to showcase themselves to new followers of the game.

For me Ive no problem having the event as an extra fixture but it needs to be done fairly. Names out of a hat for me, you draw who you draw. I also think it needs to travel more too and go around the UK, bored of Newcastle now.

I like the idea of having it at Etihad then having the championship bash at the same time at the stadium next to it, would be great, super League fans could go watch some of the championship teams they wouldn't normally watch and vice versa

Calm down son.