It is a joke, those 2 points could be the difference between finishing in one position or another come the end of the season for both teams.

I'm a big fan of the derby matches, but not when it is at the cost of fairness and it's hardly going to look good on TV if Warrington crush them in one of the prime viewing slots. There is no enjoyment in watching a one sided game, and if it goes that way then there will be a lot of people changing the channel at home.

I feel a little harsh to suggest Widnes have no chance in this game, but the number of points Wire scored last year and the fact that Widnes are newly promoted suggests that this will be an embarassment.

Get this game on early on Sunday instead so nobody has to watch it on TV.

I agree, really enjoyed the game.

Was probably a bit unfair to use it as an example, but before the game given the choice between Leeds v Wakey and Leeds v Bradford there's no doubt I'd have picked Leeds v Bradford, just as I would Wakey v Cas rather than Wakey v Bradford as 2009.

Saturday May 26
1.00pm - Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Wildcats
4.00pm - Warrington Wolves v Widnes Vikings
7.00pm - Hull FC v Hull KR

Sunday May 27
12.00pm - Catalan Dragons v London Broncos
2.00pm - Huddersfield Giants v Salford City Reds
4.00pm - Bradford Bulls v Leeds Rhinos
6.00pm - St Helens v Wigan Warriors

Why is there 3 hours between games on the saturday, but only 2 hours on the sunday? On the saturday thats going to leave a gap of about 1 hour 20 minutes between games? Seems a bit of a long wait

Derby games are right. Sure, they could lead to blow-out scores but so did 'seeded' games. And if RL still thinks its grounded in its communities, then its the right message. Yes, two points could decide who wins the hub cap but the play off structure means the final league placings is only one factor in who ultimately wins the SL trophy; ask any Saints fan.

less games, but want more fans to spend more money. the longer they're in there / gaps between games, the more likely ale, grub, merch will be bought. The class thing about cardiff was that u could literally hop out of the ground to the pubs outside. is there any pubs near the ethiad?

How about a completely random draw.

The bottom 8 play on the Saturday.
Top 6 play on Sunday.

Saturday KO times are 12.30, 3, 5.30 and 8
Sunday KO times are 2, 4.30 and 7

The exact fixtures are not drawn out until 1hr before each KO just to add an element of surprise. It might be quite weird for a team to prepare for a game at 11.30 but not play till 8. It might be worth doing it for 1 year. Alternatively you could name the fixtures and dates well in advance but not the time of the KO until an hour before. Everybody would have to turn up for the first game and then once your there you might as well stay for the remaining games that day.

Just a thought!