Quote Graham also argued that its abandonment, along with the scrapping of the second Easter fixture, would go some way to resolving the problem of player burn-out identified in the post-World Cup ">analysis.'" Graham's concern over player burnout is very fair. English test players are all overburdened by an excessive schedule list where they play on average 5 more games a season than NRL players, and then get blamed when they lose test series and tournaments. Unfortunately the players get the blame icon_rolleyes.gif , yet the major flaws in the schedule list remain. One solution is this - hold next year's Magic Weekend in Paris. Play the England/France test then - i.e. not in a Mediterranean summer, nor in France's off season icon_idea.gif . As a curtain raiser, hold a Nines weekend featuring the SL clubs (minus their test players) and some emerging nations.

Quote Graham also argued that its abandonment, along with the scrapping of the second Easter fixture, would go some way to resolving the problem of player burn-out identified in the post-World Cup ">analysis.'" Graham's concern over player burnout is very fair. English test players are all overburdened by an excessive schedule list where they play on average 5 more games a season than NRL players, and then get blamed when they lose test series and tournaments. Unfortunately the players get the blame icon_rolleyes.gif , yet the major flaws in the schedule list remain. One solution is this - hold next year's Magic Weekend in Paris. Play the England/France test then - i.e. not in a Mediterranean summer, nor in France's off season icon_idea.gif . As a curtain raiser, hold a Nines weekend featuring the SL clubs (minus their test players) and some emerging nations.

Quote ="Judder Man"North East is sports ">mad.'" It's a myth that one. The North East is football mad. Sir John Hall failed with his 'Newcastle United Sporting Club' idea...while the barcode fans come across as muppets, he couldn't convince them that ice hockey, basketball and union was worth their time and money.

Quote ="Judder Man"North East is sports ">mad.'" It's a myth that one. The North East is football mad. Sir John Hall failed with his 'Newcastle United Sporting Club' idea...while the barcode fans come across as muppets, he couldn't convince them that ice hockey, basketball and union was worth their time and money.

Quote ="BelleVueLifer"" The time and money spent on the Magic Weekend should be spent on an area like Cumbria ... " Whilst ive been to both events in wales and im going upto scotland, james graham does have a point with his above ">comment.'" So, putting aside that the time spent on the Magic weekend makes money, what exactly in Cumbria should we be spending time and money on? Quote ="acko"Was talking to a well known ex-player & you'll find most of the players don't like the Magic weekend, YES it great for us fans'" So no problem then. It is a spectator sport and they are paid to entertain us. If playing in Edinburgh was dangerous they would have a point, but if f they just want to be able to play the game at their own convenience then I am sure they are many amateur clubs who would be happy to let them. Quote ="mr chips"hes got a right to his opinion, im another who thinks its getting out of hand. france,cardiff,london,wembley murryfield,and old trafford if you are luckky to get there'" Crikey. When you put it like that, it really does put it into stark contrast. And I thought soccer fans had it tough when every year they hope that their teams will fail to qualify to play in Europe. Michael.

Quote ="BelleVueLifer"" The time and money spent on the Magic Weekend should be spent on an area like Cumbria ... " Whilst ive been to both events in wales and im going upto scotland, james graham does have a point with his above ">comment.'" So, putting aside that the time spent on the Magic weekend makes money, what exactly in Cumbria should we be spending time and money on? Quote ="acko"Was talking to a well known ex-player & you'll find most of the players don't like the Magic weekend, YES it great for us fans'" So no problem then. It is a spectator sport and they are paid to entertain us. If playing in Edinburgh was dangerous they would have a point, but if f they just want to be able to play the game at their own convenience then I am sure they are many amateur clubs who would be happy to let them. Quote ="mr chips"hes got a right to his opinion, im another who thinks its getting out of hand. france,cardiff,london,wembley murryfield,and old trafford if you are luckky to get there'" Crikey. When you put it like that, it really does put it into stark contrast. And I thought soccer fans had it tough when every year they hope that their teams will fail to qualify to play in Europe. Michael.

Quote ="mav" Crikey. When you put it like that, it really does put it into stark contrast. And I thought soccer fans had it tough when every year they hope that their teams will fail to qualify to play in Europe. ">Michael.'" There was some crazy talk of a soccer European Champions League at one point, but I believe it was rightly laughed out of court when the players' rep expertly advised that if you added such a comp on to the Premier League, FA Cup, internationals etc. all the poor loves would "burn out". As for the risible plan of travelling for games in places as far afield as France, there and back in mid-week, well, you only have to say it to know how absurd a plan it was. And apart from all that, if (say) Chelsea were to play (say) Barcelona on some random wet Tuesday, it is stating the obvious that not a single fan would travel, the game would be playd in an empty stadium. You have to wonder at the mentality of the people who come up with these weird plans. No, a maximum of 5 games a year, against teams no more than 20 miles away, [ithat's[/i how you'll get quality.

Quote ="mav" Crikey. When you put it like that, it really does put it into stark contrast. And I thought soccer fans had it tough when every year they hope that their teams will fail to qualify to play in Europe. ">Michael.'" There was some crazy talk of a soccer European Champions League at one point, but I believe it was rightly laughed out of court when the players' rep expertly advised that if you added such a comp on to the Premier League, FA Cup, internationals etc. all the poor loves would "burn out". As for the risible plan of travelling for games in places as far afield as France, there and back in mid-week, well, you only have to say it to know how absurd a plan it was. And apart from all that, if (say) Chelsea were to play (say) Barcelona on some random wet Tuesday, it is stating the obvious that not a single fan would travel, the game would be playd in an empty stadium. You have to wonder at the mentality of the people who come up with these weird plans. No, a maximum of 5 games a year, against teams no more than 20 miles away, [ithat's[/i how you'll get quality.

I think he is on to something you know.



I mean, why would you want to take the game to a new area? Why would you want to promote the competition in a place that hopefully one day will have its own team?





I say we stop this rubbish and get back to the way it should be! Play St Helens vs Wigan 15 times a year, don't take the game to new areas, we want more Castleford vs Wakefield damn it!





Sure, sure, the growing profile of the game and the money that flows through the sport from these new areas pays for the wages of players like Graham, who would probably be digging ditches of he couldn't play footy, but all that is beside the point!





What we need to is contract the sport entirely. I have to say, I'm a bit annoyed that we went beyond the limits of Huddersfield 113 years ago. What was wrong with just playing exhibition games in the field next to the George Hotel, thats all we really need.





So yeah, Graham is right. Stuff Magic Weekend. Its all just a waste of time that generates money, exposure, that opens doors and helps the game grow.





I for one want all that to end!

That's easily the best post you've ever written!

Quote ="Ferocious Aardvark"You have to wonder at the mentality of the people who come up with these weird plans. No, a maximum of 5 games a year, against teams no more than 20 miles away, [ithat's[/i how you'll get ">quality.'" Noone is suggesting such a fixture list. The real concern should be Graham having to play 35 games last year, and his captain Jamie Peacock having to play 39 matches in 2008 - yet their Kangaroo opponent Petero Civoniceva and Kiwi opponent Nathan Cayless each only played 29 games in 2008, in effect getting 6 and 10 weeks more rest & recovery time.

Quote ="Ferocious Aardvark"You have to wonder at the mentality of the people who come up with these weird plans. No, a maximum of 5 games a year, against teams no more than 20 miles away, [ithat's[/i how you'll get ">quality.'" Noone is suggesting such a fixture list. The real concern should be Graham having to play 35 games last year, and his captain Jamie Peacock having to play 39 matches in 2008 - yet their Kangaroo opponent Petero Civoniceva and Kiwi opponent Nathan Cayless each only played 29 games in 2008, in effect getting 6 and 10 weeks more rest & recovery time.

Quote ="The Observer"Noone is suggesting such a fixture list. The real concern should be Graham having to play 35 games last year, and his captain Jamie Peacock having to play 39 matches in 2008 - yet their Kangaroo opponent Petero Civoniceva and Kiwi opponent Nathan Cayless each only played 29 games in 2008, in effect getting 6 and 10 weeks more rest & recovery ">time.'" Wahey, only took 6 pages until someone realised what Graham actually meant.

Quote ="The Observer"Noone is suggesting such a fixture list. The real concern should be Graham having to play 35 games last year, and his captain Jamie Peacock having to play 39 matches in 2008 - yet their Kangaroo opponent Petero Civoniceva and Kiwi opponent Nathan Cayless each only played 29 games in 2008, in effect getting 6 and 10 weeks more rest & recovery ">time.'" Wahey, only took 6 pages until someone realised what Graham actually meant.

Quote ="Eurob0y"Wahey, only took 6 pages until someone realised what Graham actually ">meant.'" why did he not say that then? why say it now? what has a trip to Edinburgh got to do with that? why did he not say whether he is he willing to take the requisite pay cut?

Quote ="Eurob0y"Wahey, only took 6 pages until someone realised what Graham actually ">meant.'" why did he not say that then? why say it now? what has a trip to Edinburgh got to do with that? why did he not say whether he is he willing to take the requisite pay cut?

Quote ="Eurob0y"Wahey, only took 6 pages until someone realised what Graham actually ">meant.'" I must admit, when Graham said about time and money being spent in Cumbria I was too stupid to realize he was actually referring to the number of games players have to take part in in the NRL. Michael.

Quote ="Eurob0y"Wahey, only took 6 pages until someone realised what Graham actually ">meant.'" I must admit, when Graham said about time and money being spent in Cumbria I was too stupid to realize he was actually referring to the number of games players have to take part in in the NRL. Michael.

WHy should he take a pay cut?

Quote ="mav"I must admit, when Graham said about time and money being spent in Cumbria I was too stupid to realize he was actually referring to the number of games players have to take part in in the NRL. ">Michael.'" icon_lol.gif" alt="icon_lol.gif" title="Laughing" />

Quote ="mav"I must admit, when Graham said about time and money being spent in Cumbria I was too stupid to realize he was actually referring to the number of games players have to take part in in the NRL. ">Michael.'" icon_lol.gif" alt="icon_lol.gif" title="Laughing" />

Less games?

Quote ="Eurob0y"WHy should he take a pay cut?'" Hmmm. Tough one. "[iBoss, I want to play 10 or 12 games a year less, like that Civoniceva chappie. But I want to be paid the same wage. I won't play for what he is paid.[/i." No, I can't think of any problem with that. Can anyone help me?

Quote ="Eurob0y"WHy should he take a pay cut?'" Hmmm. Tough one. "[iBoss, I want to play 10 or 12 games a year less, like that Civoniceva chappie. But I want to be paid the same wage. I won't play for what he is paid.[/i." No, I can't think of any problem with that. Can anyone help me?

less games = less revenue



I worked it out before that SKY pay around £518k per round of SL - if you reduce the number of games, you are going to reduce the amount of money coming into the game - or are you assuming that SKY will be happy to pay the same for a lesser product?

Quote ="saints35 bulls0"or are you assuming that SKY will be happy to pay the same for a lesser product?'" Hang on.....they cover wendyball in divisions 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8,9 etc.....so why not icon_cool.gif" alt="icon_cool.gif" title="Cool" />

Quote ="saints35 bulls0"or are you assuming that SKY will be happy to pay the same for a lesser product?'" Hang on.....they cover wendyball in divisions 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8,9 etc.....so why not icon_cool.gif" alt="icon_cool.gif" title="Cool" />

Quote ="gutterfax"Hang on.....they cover wendyball in divisions 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8,9 etc.....so why not icon_cool.gif" alt="icon_cool.gif" title="Cool" />'" wow, I can't even begin to articulate how irrelevant that is! icon_biggrin.gif" alt="icon_biggrin.gif" title="Very Happy" />

Quote ="gutterfax"Hang on.....they cover wendyball in divisions 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8,9 etc.....so why not icon_cool.gif" alt="icon_cool.gif" title="Cool" />'" wow, I can't even begin to articulate how irrelevant that is! icon_biggrin.gif" alt="icon_biggrin.gif" title="Very Happy" />

Quote ="saints35 bulls0"or are you assuming that SKY will be happy to pay the same for a lesser product?'" Quote ="gutterfax"Hang on.....they cover wendyball in divisions 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8,9 etc.....so why not icon_cool.gif" alt="icon_cool.gif" title="Cool" />'" Quote ="FearTheVee"wow, I can't even begin to articulate how irrelevant that is! icon_biggrin.gif" alt="icon_biggrin.gif" title="Very Happy" />'" Read all three posts above and then please begin to articulate........

Quote ="saints35 bulls0"or are you assuming that SKY will be happy to pay the same for a lesser product?'" Quote ="gutterfax"Hang on.....they cover wendyball in divisions 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8,9 etc.....so why not icon_cool.gif" alt="icon_cool.gif" title="Cool" />'" Quote ="FearTheVee"wow, I can't even begin to articulate how irrelevant that is! icon_biggrin.gif" alt="icon_biggrin.gif" title="Very Happy" />'" Read all three posts above and then please begin to articulate........

Because the time and money being spent on Graham could be better used developing Cumbria.



Michael.

Nope, still irrelevant.



Unless you think that the fact that Sky screen lower division football is proof that they would pay the same for less televised games than they currently get.

Quote ="mav"Because the time and money being spent on Graham could be better used developing Cumbria. ">Michael.'" icon_lol.gif" alt="icon_lol.gif" title="Laughing" />

Quote ="mav"Because the time and money being spent on Graham could be better used developing Cumbria. ">Michael.'" icon_lol.gif" alt="icon_lol.gif" title="Laughing" />

Quote ="FearTheVee"Nope, still irrelevant. Unless you think that the fact that Sky screen lower division football is proof that they would pay the same for less televised games than they currently ">get.'" I never said less product, I "quoted" [ulesser product.[/u The lesser product, being wendyball (last nights top class 0-0 draw underlines how easy it is to sell an inferior product to the uk public is) and the superior product being RL in general. Bottom line is graham may well feel he is made to play too many games, but he is well paid to ply his trade and should either play.......or choose another trade. Mav....you are a credit to this forum by the way icon_lol.gif" alt="icon_lol.gif" title="Laughing" />

Quote ="FearTheVee"Nope, still irrelevant. Unless you think that the fact that Sky screen lower division football is proof that they would pay the same for less televised games than they currently ">get.'" I never said less product, I "quoted" [ulesser product.[/u The lesser product, being wendyball (last nights top class 0-0 draw underlines how easy it is to sell an inferior product to the uk public is) and the superior product being RL in general. Bottom line is graham may well feel he is made to play too many games, but he is well paid to ply his trade and should either play.......or choose another trade. Mav....you are a credit to this forum by the way icon_lol.gif" alt="icon_lol.gif" title="Laughing" />

I think we are at the stage now as John Wilkin as already pointed out that the game has become a risk to the players body, harder impacts, stronger wrestling techniques, joints under more stress. Its a question now do we want quality or quantity.



There is only a sustained period when the top players can perform 35 + games a season as some players have already pointed out.



A superleague career is far shorter than a NRL one, the more games they cram into a season the more risk of your team not being at full strength for say 30% of the season.



If they want to have a magic weekend why don,t they do it over the easter weekend playing one full round over the 3 days.



So its the supporters individual choice, do you want to see lots of rugby or lesser but quality rugby with players at there full potential.

Quote ="Judder Man"I think we are at the stage now as John Wilkin as already pointed out that the game has become a risk to the players body, harder impacts, stronger wrestling techniques, joints under more stress. Its a question now do we want quality or ">quantity.'" And godknows how players of the past had county cups, midweek games, Regal Trophy, international tours etc to cope with and many had a job too. Poor ickle babies that play the game now.

Quote ="Judder Man"I think we are at the stage now as John Wilkin as already pointed out that the game has become a risk to the players body, harder impacts, stronger wrestling techniques, joints under more stress. Its a question now do we want quality or ">quantity.'" And godknows how players of the past had county cups, midweek games, Regal Trophy, international tours etc to cope with and many had a job too. Poor ickle babies that play the game now.

Quote ="Big Graeme"And godknows how players of the past had county cups, midweek games, Regal Trophy, international tours etc to cope with and many had a job too. Poor ickle babies that play the game ">now.'" Not quite the same game mate, and I,m old enough to make the comparision. eg. Fat colliding with Fat is not the same as Muscle colliding with muscle.

Quote ="Big Graeme"And godknows how players of the past had county cups, midweek games, Regal Trophy, international tours etc to cope with and many had a job too. Poor ickle babies that play the game ">now.'" Not quite the same game mate, and I,m old enough to make the comparision. eg. Fat colliding with Fat is not the same as Muscle colliding with muscle.