We flew to Carcassonne last season. Direct train links with Perpignan (1-2hrs away) or minibus hire available if there's enough of you. We did this as well and the drivers were brilliant.
Carcassonne is a brilliant place to stay with some great bars, restaurants and hotels, the medieval city and a thriving rugby League culture centred on the Bar Felix in the main square. The RL club also has a decent souvenir shop away behind the station at their office.
Giants pennants etc up in the Felix from previous visits.
Give it a go.

Not everyone's lucky enough to get away when they've got work and/or child commitments (school holidays etc) and a direct, cheap flight would definitely help everyone, there's no doubt in that.
I'd rather put my hard earned dosh to a memorable trip to France, which can be done cheaper than a mucky weekend away at Blackers if it's planned right and you shop around for flights - can't see anything arrogant about that or 'fed on a plate baby boomer-ish'!

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Yep! You could have sat on your own behind the posts but still paying stadium prices for a pint. Asda do a nice cheap four-pack budget brew for a couple of quid that you could probably smuggle in on match day.

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Whilst I admit I have never asked your age, you have never come across as an 80's child. You must have had the paperround up Woodhouse hill.