Top flight attendances in 2016 were 50% higher than they were in 1996 so not really true. But there has been a massive and very successful conversion of fans into season ticket holders which, perplexingly to me, seems to have made some people less willing to splash out when it comes to games which actually matter - hence play off and cup crowds, even for big games, are lower than their league equivalents despite their typically being more away fans.

In terms of the final, one consequence of all the changes you mention over the past 20/22 years which I do feel has had an impact is the attendance of neutral fans at the cup final. I'm not sure things are more overtly partisan than they used to be but there is certainly less of a communal/community feel to the sport. A lot of long standing fans of the game who padded out Wembley year after year regardless of who was playing were left out in the cold in 1995 and have never quite been replaced despite growth in the sport generally.

I like the ldea of magic it's the only one of its kind, why not start the season with it?

Towards the backend of the season teams are more focused on OT and the GF so make Wembley the focus point at the beginning of the season.

They kicked off a season with Magic in Cardiff a few years ago didn't they? 2010/11 ish.

Quote: Wigg'n "They kicked off a season with Magic in Cardiff a few years ago didn't they? 2010/11 ish.'" 2011 - and it was really cold inside the Millennium Stadium in February ! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Wee ... 1:_Cardiff

Quote: Wigg'n "They kicked off a season with Magic in Cardiff a few years ago didn't they? 2010/11 ish.'" 2011 - and it was really cold inside the Millennium Stadium in February ! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Wee ... 1:_Cardiff

some Magic days have had 4 games in the past. Its more then possible, certainly if done in the north.

Games could kick off at Noon, then 2.30pm, 5pm and 7.30pm

Get a couple of bands to play a 15 min set between each game, pass-out style access so if you wanted to dip out of one of the game you can get back in. With the exception of a couple of teams who would travel in larger numbers, ticket allocation could be between 4k-8k. Etihad would be perfect for it

Would have to be the beginning of May as the end of May bank hols will often clash with the football play off finals

The new Wembley cant hold a candle to the old one imo so if they move it i don't have an issue.

Cardiff finals were great.superb rugby stadium, ideal capacity of about 70k i would go back there no problem.

I think they could move the Cup forward a few weeks so it's between Round 23 and Week 1 of the Super 8's. They need a week inbetween the end of the regular season and the start of the 8's because it takes a few days to organise the 8's schedule and they currently have that but with the Semi Finals played instead.

The final currently halfway through the Super 8's really doesn't really help the cup or the 8's.

Welsh people not interested in rugby....hmmmm.

Surprised you didn't mention moving games to your adopted country of France.

Then again, they dont give a toss there do they

Leave the final where it is and when it is.

Well that's insightful and thought provoking..........only if you like the sad decline of what should be a prestigious event.

The issue is that the CC represents a large financial risk to the RFL (who only really make money from the CC and MW). With attendances for the CC Final falling - even when the larger teams like Hull and Wire get to the final, a final with two of the less well supported clubs would likely mean a large financial loss - Although its not going to happen this year, the absolute worse case scenario is a Hudds vs Catalan final.

There is a risk that moving the cup away from Wembley will reduce the lure of the final and therefore impact on tickets, but there is also the benefit that more fans will be able to attend a more centrally located stadium due to the lack of needing to spend £100+ on a train ticket.

This, leave the final at wembley.... for years on here people having been moaning about not having a high profile brand sponsoring our game but yet it's a good idea to love a showpiece game from one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world ??? The reason the cup has lost a little bit of shine is because to fit extra super league games in we have super league teams entering at a later stage.... winning 3 games gets you to a final and people can't get invested enough in the competition. Not saying this is right or wrong just the way it is.

Easily possible as you say. Day 1 of the Summer Bash next Saturday has 4 games; L1 Cup final followed by 3 Championship games.

Personally an event like you're suggesting gets me excited about the CC again. As a Bradford fan my interest has waned recently tbh. With the CC QF as they are this year, televised on 4 different days, I'll probably catch 1 or 2 of them on TV and wouldn't have too much interest going to any live as my team isn't in taking part.

If CC QF weekend became an event at a single stadium I'd be more than tempted to go and make a weekend of it and I'm sure I could get a group of 30 odd lads from the local rugby club.