Because I'm guessing that Wigan don't have a fair to compete with within the same month.

Same goes for Doncaster or Huddersfield. And I appreciate that the KC has held similar events around those dates in the past but maybe the retrictions are greater given the fact that they are now in the premiership.

I'm also certain that other groups such as the police also have an opinion on all this when decisions are made. If you have a problem, give Duffen a call, don't write or email him though, cos we're all thick us rugby fans.

They don,t seem to hold concerts at th KC anymore either.

Don't start them off.

Thats because the last one lost money.

Ashes series in 2003, Tri nations in 2004 and 2005.

The KC staged matches at a similar time of year. Poor excuse.

The premier league do not own the stadium

The premier league dictate, as you well know, Whelan has fallen out of love with Wigan RL, he'll have them out of the JJB first chance he has. The premiership puts pressure of Wigan Ath, in turn Whelan puts it on Wigan RL, and eventually something will give, and I bet it's not the football.

Need to point out, I would love to see the international come here later this year, but all the moaners either don't understand, don't appreciate the workings of the SMC or the fact that it's not as simple to sort out as those moaners appear to think it is.

The difference is, the JJB is Whelans Stadium whereas the KC is not Duffens.

The irony of all this is that Wigan will actually stage one of the interanationals whilst, as you put it, Whelan has not direct involvement with RL.

You're right but the way he acts, you would think it's his.

So if its a Premier League problem, how do the RFL manage to book Old Trafford each year for the Grand Final?

I dont know for definate, but I would guess that all clubs will inform the FA of dates that the stadiums are in use for other things, lets face it a lot have rock concerts that need planning and dates well in advance, also Wigan manage it ok as do Elland Rd and Old Trafford, what makes City so different. Dont the FA know its not City's ground and that they are just TENANTS, can you imagine Duffen having the chance to put on U2 or the Stones and turning it down because he needed to know FC's fixtures first, I doubt it very much.