The thing is, in deciding where to have an event like this, you have to consider where people will want to spend a weekend, and, with all due respect to the places involved, a weekend in Derby, Bolton or even Sheffield, would probably not appeal to folk as much as a weekend in Edinburgh or Cardiff. The thing that might work is to have a weekend close enough to the heartlands of the game so that people can go, come back, and then go again the next day. Even this might not work though. Part of the attraction of something like this, for me, is that it's in a place you don't normally see rugby league in, so it's like a mini holiday. If it was somewhere like Manchester, it wouldn't really be unusual, because people can go there any time. Money is obviously an important factor, but if enough notice is given, people would have a chance to save. Newcastle is an interesting choice, but would there be enough hotel rooms? Dublin would be good. Paris has been done. And London has the Challenge Cup Final. Or how about the Midlands? There's never been many big games there. Anyone of the Walsall Weekend? And yes, HL, it was bloody freezing. Maybe it should be moved to a later date. The idea of a similar event involving Championship sides is also interesting. The could call it "Championship Challenge".

I'd love for them to come up with a Championship version but in all fairness they'd probably be flogging a dead horse with the average gates Championship sides get, it'd probably end up being at Field Mill or somewhere. Newcastle is an interesting one, although I liked St. James's there was something a little strange about it. Maybe it was because the away enclosure is miles away from the pitch and I was cream crackered by the time I'd climbed the twelve flights of steps to get up there also the fact the stands are on different levels. Could work though.

Scrap it and have a England, Ireland, Wales and France double header, in a good stadium where the natives actually know what rugby league is.

I went up on saturday and came back on sunday night. It wasnt as good as last year. There is a good carnival atmosphere to it but not many people as youd hope. At least it wasnt affected by the volcano. Hopefully the 9s will be better this year in blackpool. Hillsborough lad has a good idea, but isnt that happening at leigh next month?

Me & the missus drove up on Friday & came back early on Monday. We stayed at a cheap motel near Falkirk & took the train to Haymarket both days - then a steady amble to the ground via the Roseburn & Murrayfield bars. This worked out a lot better than last year, when we stayed at a B&B on the south side, 2 buses via the city centre, a lot of walking & very knackered.
I agree with Marty, it was absolutely perishing, but a good atmosphere.
Me & Tina both think that Cardiff was far superior - Train Station, Bus Station, Stadium & High Street full of banks, resturants & brill pubs serving copious amounts of Brains Dark; all within 1/2 Mile! Perfect!

Leigh has England V France next month. Awful public transport links and within minutes of the game finishing England football team are playing in the World Cup!

Could be an awesome day