Magic Weekend dates confirmed

http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/41656199

And once again they put a Hull derby on. Killing it as if there's a pretty season game as usual, will mean 4 again providing both don't meet in the super 8's or challenge cup.

Also giving Rovers a slightly harder fixture list.

Luke wrote:And once again they put a Hull derby on. Killing it as if there's a pretty season game as usual, will mean 4 again providing both don't meet in the super 8's or challenge cup.

Also giving Rovers a slightly harder fixture list.

I think the RFL's thinking is Local Derbies are generally a bit more contested with local bragging rights up for grabs, but i could wrong.

George Hotel1895 wrote:

Luke wrote:And once again they put a Hull derby on. Killing it as if there's a pretty season game as usual, will mean 4 again providing both don't meet in the super 8's or challenge cup.

Also giving Rovers a slightly harder fixture list.

I think the RFL's thinking is Local Derbies are generally a bit more contested with local bragging rights up for grabs, but i could wrong.

I wouldn't disagree with that. 

It just feels all manufactured to get a crowd in. Who would be going regardless of who ever there side are playing. Plus you can't help feeling sky have a say in who's playing who.

I have no doubt Sky have input as they likely will do for any licensing process, they will want the most marketable and well supported sides.

Similar to the Big Bash last season, why else would you pair Bradford with Hull KR? Even taking away the liquidation the Bulls finished 5th the previous season.

The Beast wrote:I have no doubt Sky have input as they likely will do for any licensing process, they will want the most marketable and well supported sides.

Similar to the Big Bash last season, why else would you pair Bradford with Hull KR?  Even taking away the liquidation the Bulls finished 5th the previous season.

Who pays the piper calls the tume