I will still probably end up going as I see it as a good weekend away (I live in Birmingham) and if rumours of it being the first weekend in June are true, then it's my birthday, so even better!

However, I agree that the whole premise of this is to show it to other areas that are not that clued up about the game. I'm not just saying this because it is where I live, but surely somewhere like Birmingham is better? Or Coventry? I play for a local RL team (wont be next season - I've had to have a knee reconstruction on two ligaments - thanks to RL...) and I can safely say that RL is increasingly becoming more and more popular in the likes of Coventry and Leicester. Surely bringing something like the Magic Weekend to a place like that makes much more sense if the RFL are serious about expansion...

Prehaps the RFL are trying to promote the game in Manchester, seen as Salford can't...

Taking the weekend to Manchester doesnt keep in the context of the original idea, but as we have just seen at Wembley 42K in London - I think we will be able to sell the Etihad out... But im not sure everyone will stay for the games on thier day this meaning it wont look sold out - as travel to Manchester is so easy I wonder whether or not fans will just watch thier games and then decide to go home... However as mentioned earlier well done the RFL - for providing a cheaper option.

Idea being to make money

Manchester fits that bill.

Last Saturday the stadium also announced they had 7 World Cup games. Now either they jumped to gun on the RFL announcement or in typical football fashion they dont know their WC from their MM. Damn sight more practical than Cardiff or Murrayfield though!

Playing in east Manchester IS spreading the word. You could ask a number of locals who Sam Tomkins is and I reckon most wouldn't have a clue.

Think Salford might be the winner from this, cashing in on those who get hooked and travel to Barton to see what a league match is like.