I'm all for expansion, in fact I don't think enough is been done at the top level in fact. But I don't think the cup semi-finals are a good tool for expansion, just the same as the cup final, play-offs and SLGF. I'm a fan of Magic weekend and its this type of event that is what the RFL should use

I really like our Semis when its in Huddersfield

It's also up to the BBC. if they want a match on Saturday and Sunday, then that will scupper a double header.

i think a double header would be a good idea, but not at a stadium as big as the millenium.
the stadium didnt fill at MM with the fans of 12 teams coming to watch 6 games, never mind the fans of 4 coming to watch 2. i accept that there will be neutrals there but not maybe 20000+ neutrals.
a double header in a smaller stadium would be much more realistic IMO

Had this idea when the furore over Hull v Wakey at Doncaster was around.

Brilliant idea bring it on!!

As someone outside of the heartlands, I would be interested in a double header - wouldn't go otherwise (it's so much faster and cheaper to watch on tv).

For me the north, south, cardiff and newcastle is all much of a mutchness and I think that W. midlands would be a flop (no interest at all in Cov or Brum), while E. midlands (Leicester) would be seen as an act of war.

Cardif whats the point they could not even half fill the Stadium with 12 teams there 4 going to be worse stupid idea an idea with is own intrest at hart.
If it is a 2 yorkshire team which it will it should played in yorkshire and if it is 2 Lancs or Cheshire team should play over there.
And if it is either Catalan Celtic or Quins they should play at a park feild then they might fill it.

City of Manchester Stadium would be ideal having re thought.

Like the idea of a double header for the semi finals, however at Cardiff is just silly - firstly, we already have MM, Wembley and Old Trafford, all of which I support BTW, but also the stadium would look empty and what is a long established Rugby League event (rather than a pioneering one like Magic)

Double header at some place like Galfarm is a good idea though.

Don't think this would work at all, especially with the decent opportunity of a national league side or two getting to the semi's. Dumb idea really

too small for 4 teams imo.
That's why I suggested City of Manchester. Think it's around 44,000

Good point, but there are 10 weeks between the quarters and the semis. That's plenty of time to save up money for the semi. And you can guarantee that people will find money for the final should their team get there. It's Wembley!


Questionnaires of fans opinions won't necessarily tell you what they will do. Fans are fickle and change their minds.


36,000 would be an excellent crowd! Better than MM and better than most combined semi-final attendances in the SL era. And to be fair, most semi-final crowds have been have empty anyway so it's not like it has affected them.


The cup final is played in expansion territory in front of a sell-out crowd every year. The games in Wales are pretty much what got interest going there (15,000 Welsh people at a cup final).
And what's the difference between the Magic Weekend and a DH cup-semi? Neither have sold out, both have more than one game and they will (most likely) both host SL clubs. They are the same sort of event, no?



The only wild-card. It's all on the BBC if it goes ahead or not if the RFL decide they want it.