Don't know why there is a need for constant faffing about.

When I've been I've enjoyed the atmosphere of the MW and it's still a good idea.

However, it's also laughable that it's possible in the first place. I remember Eddie Hemmings a few years back spouting how good it was and no other sport does this and how brilliant sL is because of it etc etc. Why is this laughable? The fact that when all the hardcore fans of all SL clubs get together we still barely fill a 60k stadium. If the premier league tried it, the stadium would probably need to hold about 300k+.

So whilst it is good and spreads the word etc, its also very sad.

The MW promotes Rugby League in a positive way and for that reason we should all back it where ever its played.
I'm sure its raised Rugby League awareness in Newcastle and other cities where its been played.

yep, how many will be in the ground watching the first game on sunday , hudds v catalans???

wont be 30k anyway i know that

supposed to be a celebration of rugby league...yet empty seats all over, even for the latter games too

Can't see why they've never let under 16's in for free with each adult or something like that. Even if only for the NE postcode. After all this time, is it a money maker, is it a way to hit new markets. We will never likely find out.

you could give tickets away for free to anyone, still wont come

football they would though

Why bring football into the equation? Football is a multi-billion pound, global sport and is our national sport. There are many things football can do we can only dream of, lets just scrap RL all together with that logic. Lets scrap the WC as footballs is much bigger



As others have said, it is what you make of it. It's a good weekend with good banter and a marathon of RL to watch and makes a fair bit for money for a sport that needs it (although you still found a negative with that) We get exposure all weekend that we just won't get at all for the rest of the season apart from the GF and CC final.

The only problem i have is the unfair extra fixture. But it's good thing for the sport after taking some time to find it's feet. It started out as a way to expand which didn't work out but now i think it's a great EVENT for the fans and brings exposure and some much needed brass.

Bingo. There doesn't see to be a strategy behind the concept (or at least they're not telling us & executing it poorly).

no problem with the rfl making money from the event, just dont try telling us its to spread the game because the evidence is that where ever its taken its doesnt sell out and doesnt form a new club in that area of bring a new investor into the sport

Since the Magic Weekend moved to Newcastle, Gateshead Thunder has a new owner (an investor if you will), moved to and carries the name of the very city that hosts the event.

And is anyone actually on record as saying that the purpose of the Magic Weekend is to spread the game to the North East? Nobody is "telling" me that's the purpose of the weekend.

In 2006 the original concept was to continue with development of the game in Wales, following the hosting of the Challenge Cup Finals: "The 'Millennium Magic' initiative is the result of a partnership between the RFL and Cardiff Council and follows the sell-out crowds for the 2004 and 2005 Challenge Cup finals in the Welsh capital. Richard Lewis, the RFL executive chairman, said, "We want to build on both the rugby league supporters' liking for the Millennium Stadium and the progress rugby league is making as a sport in Wales." www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/othe ... ic-2313005

In 2006 the original concept was to continue with development of the game in Wales, following the hosting of the Challenge Cup Finals: "The 'Millennium Magic' initiative is the result of a partnership between the RFL and Cardiff Council and follows the sell-out crowds for the 2004 and 2005 Challenge Cup finals in the Welsh capital. Richard Lewis, the RFL executive chairman, said, "We want to build on both the rugby league supporters' liking for the Millennium Stadium and the progress rugby league is making as a sport in Wales." www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/othe ... ic-2313005

Newcastle media should be blitzed with offers for the weekend eg Newcastle Utd ST holders family of 2+2 from £10 per day until its sold out - come to the party