the only concern i have with the format is the concept of 'derbies' - simply because with this being an extra fixture it can make a real difference at the end of the campaign if you have had an easier 'derby' at the magic weekend. As an alternative I would match the teams up by getting them to play the team next to them in the league ladder following the previous weeks fixtures. so that the showcase final game is between the top 2. that way - there is real edge to the matches as this could be the difference at the end of the season between you and your nearest league rival. as it happens we would still have played cas.

I thought that myself, but then thought it would be a bit of a nightmare logistically. Admittedley you would have a rough idea of when you would play, but not knowing for definate until the week before would make the planning a bit short notice for fans and the clubs alike.

Good point

how about taking the tables 2 weeks before - no different then to a Challenge Cup draw

That was my next plan, but you are bordering on what they tried the other year where they drew it out of the hat based on where you finished the previous season. People then complained that the games were not as intense and didnt grab peoples imagination enough for them to travel.
I think that way may work better if it remained in Manchester. I may not travel to Edinburgh or Cardiff to watch us play London, but i would drive 45mins down the road.

Alternatively the easiest way to do it would be to swap the current format around a little ie Wire vs Catalans & then Widnes vs London. Having said that, i do believe Widnes will be a hell of alot stronger next year, although if the Widnes fan i was chatting to on Saturday was to be believed im not sure how they will fit all there new players under the cap!!

i think it would work better than a straight draw, as most games would result in the winner either leap-frogging or extending away from their opponents with a win - and as it's roughly the mid-point of the season that could then result in momentum to push on in the 2nd half of the season. At least then there would be less likelihood of 64-4 scorelines as the teams in all 7 games would be evenly matched based on current (rather than last seasons) form.