What is the concept? A good weekend? I thought the idea was to take it to developing regions a la Cardiff? Is there any strategic intent in this from SL point of view other than it is a low cost event? Why don't we hold a Test match then at Newcastle?
We already know we will in all likelyhood be playing Leeds at least 5 times next season. What is the point of it all?
I normally agree with you Nicky on most things but on this occassion we will have to agree to disagree.
It's just lazy unimaginative marketing which is pretty standard for the game.

True, it's become something of a cash-cow for the hosting city & they're not going to change it any time soon. Newcastle reckon they made something like £4million over this year's weekend.

I've always said it should be the CC 5th round (6th now) & not a way to gift one team or another 2 points with a contrived pairing.

So the concept is playing a meaningless 27th game so a city with virtually zero connection with the sport earns millions? Reet that makes SL sense.
If fans just want a weekend booze up why don't we play a test match at Old Trafford? A top city with great bars and loads of hotels unlike Wigan and Hull.
I just don't see the need to play another meaningless game that has zero impact in spreading the gospel of the game.
I hoped that Barwick would bring new ideas and a freshness to the sport. He is just another taking a few bob from the sport and can't be harrised to think outside the box. As I've said just bone idle marketing people who wouldn't know calculated risk if it kicked them in the nuts.
If Barwick can't open new doors then get shut of him and promote someone like Wiggins who through his background may have more influence with sponsors.

Yet you advocate taking it back to Manchester??
FWIW, and I've worked/travelled/lived in many points of the UK, Newcastle is actually one of the few league-savvy parts outside the heartland. It also has its own club. The announcement of the MW returning made local news and the front pages of the local rags. I agree with your comments about it skewing the fixtures and the need for it; where I won't agree is that if we are to run it, Newcastle's a bad place to take it.

I was being sarcastic. If it's just a boozing weekend Manchester is as good as anywhere.
Nobody can explain the logic of a 27th match it is totally illogical.

The best way to decide the fixtures in my view is to decide it the week before based on league positions. I would make it 1st v 2nd, 3rd v 4th and so on. That way every team has a real incentive. The higher placed team would want to extend the gap and the lower placed team would want to close the gap or move above their opponents. The fans would be sure to see competitive games both days.