They don't have to be pre-season. The upcoming bank holiday is going to be round 15, plenty of time to fit 3/4 cup games in, or the cup final could be moved to a regular weekend in June/July.

If it's 9s you might as well get all the Ch sides along too. The games will be much shorter and you either go one day or have more rounds.

Last year was scheduled on a festival weekend so that played a factor.. also lot less Australian fans travelled over. Fans have had enough of teams sending over under strength sides.

Hopefully last year is a Wake up call for all involved.

Had another great day in Newcastle today, despite my team getting hammered and the weather being wet and chilly.

Pretty sure they announced a 35k crowd in the ground which is down by about 5k on the last couple of years. The absence of our East Hull neighbours won't have helped the figure, but it still feels like Magic is stagnating now crowd wise. I think tomorrow will be in for a 25-30k crowd given the line-up, which is ok but not amazing.

Went in to the weekend wanting it to stay in Newcastle as I love the city, but starting to think that amother new venue change may refresh the event again.

its moving next year by the sounds of it anyway, liverpool maybe

I wonder how many will go through the gates today? The 3 worse travelling supports on one day. Or will the RFL 'doctor' the figures to make it close to yesterday?

I suppose if people have bought the 2 day ticket but don't actually show up today then they'll still be counted, which seems to be common practice nowadays (and not just by the RFL).

Exactly what I was thinking. For season ticket holders the weekend pass was a no brainer, so there will be plenty that had a weekend pass from yesterday that aren't there today, but those numbers will be counted. I bought one myself, but haven't managed to get there due to work commitments, so that will be counted in attendance even though I'm now at home watching on tv.

attendance on sunday 30046

Good going, which leaves it just 3k down overall across the weekend, which you can just about put down to swapping Rovers for Leigh.

Stuff moving it around let's keep it permanently in Newcastle

It's great in Newcastle and should be there for at least the immediate future.

I want it backed up by a cohesive strategy delivered by the RFL; increased marketing & focus targeting locals to buy tickets; getting development officers in local schools in the Newcastle area both months before and after MW; taster sessions run with a view to creating new junior setups; existing community clubs supported via coaching courses, sessions linked with schools in their area, equipment; backing & supporting a bigger Newcastle thunder presence to help them harness the interest created.

We know the MW works as a money spinner, but it'd be a massive shame for the sport not to do it's best to create a legacy in the North-East from it.

local rugby club crammlington sold over 700 tickets for this years magic, yet the rfl will just walk away from newcastle to the highest bidder


someone told us anfield is already signed for the next two years, hope not, ive been a few times and the parking is awful, the 2 roads in and out are a nightmare too

Plus the locals are at the opposite end of the spectrum to the Geordies.

Generalising, much?