I loved the day out up in Newcastle, having missed the one there last year. I previously went to the Etihad twice, and up to Murrayfield once, all just for the day.
I love the concept of the magic weekend and the fact that you can mix with other supporters without an ounce of trouble. As I've said on the Hull forum, I think they should keep it up in Newcastle next year, then look to move it on to another location. If nothing else, it gives locals the opportunity to go and watch a game of rugby league. It would be nice if they then went along to their local club, such as Thunder, but the reality is the product on show would be much less at lower league clubs than the 3 or 6 games they will have watched in a stadium with 30-40,000 people in it.
I was talking to a couple of guys from Newcastle who had won tickets for the Sunday games. They seemed to enjoy their day out, and related to my nervousness before the Hull derby. The were both Newcastle season ticket holders, and admitted their recent derby form made them understand what it's like in the build up to the derbies! They had been along to watch Newcastle Falcons a couple of times, but had never been to a live league match. Having the opportunity to go to 3 in one day for free is a great advertisement for our game, and, if nothing else, hopefully it will add to the TV figures, and more of a national support for our international game.
It doesn't just have to be about increasing the crowds of local teams, nor trying to establish a new club in the area. It's a good day or weekend out with 70,000 other rugby league fans mingling and having a laugh together. There aren't many sports where that happens.