Chorlton RL wrote:I agree it would be better for those supporting the teams to know when the matches will be, particularly if it involves travel abroad, but I can understand why the RFL wouldn't release them just yet (what with the 4N's being on and all that).
I'd have said for the benefit of the EC comp it should start the week after the LER and the three rounds take place one after the other. This way the French are in form and should make for a good comp. Matches should take place on the weekend as well, firstly, for the fans, and, secondly, for the players, who will be largely part timers.
Euro 2012 kicks off on the 8th of June, so it'd be an idea to get a European competition in another sport out of the way before that media juganaunt kicks into gear and try glean some media attention by association. Plus, if you have the final in the same city on the same weekend as Magic weekend there will be a much larger attendance than having it in isolation.
But, yes, it seems there would be a number of issues with the Championship fixtures. A solution could be that the four teams taking part in the EC don't take part in the NRC or admitted straight into the knock out rounds. This would mean while the EC takes place the other Championship clubs could play their NRC pool matches.
It was stated that our ST includes 9 Championship fixtures and 2 NRC matches , so that option , isn't
