I remember being in Newcastle months before the rugby union World Cup and they had a big sign over the Tyne bridge advertising the world cup.

Would be great if rugby league could do something like that.

I understand hotels doing that, but to cancel an already booked room so they can resell it at a higher price is IMO, dishonest.

Please please please never at Elland Rd. It might be in a great location but as a stadium it's bloody awful. I'm 5 foot 1 and a peanut and even I couldn't sit straight when I went there for the WCF a few years ago. The people I was with were considerably taller and ended up standing on the concourse watching the game on the TV simply because they couldn't sit down. You are there for hours so comfortable seating is a must, something ER doesn't provide unfortunately.

Can't see it being at Newcastle next year as they're hosting union European final in May 2019, I'm sure I read it's agreed there'll be no other event near the time. All points towards the Etihad again, especially with it being the home of RFL now.

I'd be raising hell about this, check the T&Cs, contact them, if no joy start spreading the word on social media about them.

I think I would be too, it's a horrible thing to do!

Agree. Time for something different.

King James you are spot on, This is the reason me & the mrs go we enjoy newcastle more than any other we have been to, And has for hotels can't understand the moaning if you shop around you'll find the bargains,£190.00 total for 3 nights 5 mins from metro £1.70 into newcastle jobs a goodun.


Up The Trin

That part is great but the format is kinda old now. Would prefer a 9's tournament.

I think its an enjoyable concept, and also one of the major USP's of rugby league in this country. We should celebrate this and really promote it. We just don't seem to do much marketing around it, or anything for that matter.

Could and should be one of the main events for the year of sport in this country if done properly. I think the idea of the expansionist teams playing there as well is good, and i think it should be the 7th game every year. You could even go as far as 8 games, 6 SL concepts plus two teams from championship and 2 from league 1. See who the forward thinking teams are then wouldn't you.

Be good if York Vs Bradford was first game of day 2 for example, they attracted 4 thousand earlier in the year and im sure a similar number would go across. Factor in the support generated by the dual reg teams if they have one would add to the experience, and open up some SL eyes to the talent down the leagues.

I'd also love it if we ( KR ) stopped playing FC every year n all. I know a lot of tickets get sold across both teams but bejesus playing them every week is annoying, and a distinct unfair advantage compared to other games which ain't local derbies.

I agree it is fantastic for me, I have been to loads of them, although I never got to Scotland.
the only change i'd make (and it's a big one) is make it challenge cup quarter finals, having said that i'm going this year, if it's on next year i'll be going too, and if it's at the etihad i'll even bully some of my friends from the wrong side of the hills to come along again.
The Etihad has been my favourite venue, but I think it may have been due to very very very kind weather!

Interesting to read that the NRL will be having a Magic Weekend in Brisbane next year.

Obvious difference to ours is they've gone for an RL hotbed rather than an expansion area though. But of course we don't have a large stadium in an RL hotbed. Elland Road is too old, Etihad is as close as you can get to the heartlands but of course Manchester is a football City.

I think it's good not to have Magic Weekend too close to the heartlands.

I think Newcastle is ideal really. Though I’d like to see more concerted effort toward the Magic Weekend actively assisting and helping grow Newcastle Thunder. Otherwise what’s the point.

The entire event should be plastered with Newcastle marketing/advertising, presence of the Newcastle players, maybe Newcastle play during one of the days etc.

I’d also like to see a follow up England game put there.

We have good ideas in RL but rarely do we follow them up properly.

Cardiff was the best one in my opinion . Superb stadium with the benefit of closing the roof if need be . Great central location ( As Newcastle is ) , plenty of good bard a stones throw from the stadium , and the lovely Cardiff Bay with nice restaurants .