By Julian Shea

Playing in London, Purdham knows all about Super League expansion

Millennium Magic might sound like an idea seven years out of date, but to rugby league's powerbrokers it is almost as important as the dawning of a new era.

This weekend's two-day event in Cardiff features six games and all 12 Super League clubs as the sport takes a decisive step towards extending its influence beyond its traditional boundaries.

Often criticised for not doing enough to promote the game, the Rugby Football League has taken the bull by the horns in this instance.

There are naturally some misgivings, largely from those people who think the sport should stick to areas where it is strongest, but there are also plenty of people ready to applaud such a bold move.

Among them is Rob Purdham, a man who knows a thing or two about promoting rugby league outside the so-called heartlands.

It would be good to have this as an annual Easter thing. Fans could come down for the weekend and they could get a big crowd for both days Michael Withers

Not only is he captain of Harlequins, London's sole professional club, he also hails from Cumbria, a part of the country that longs for a side in the top flight.

Cumbrians may just get their wish, too, with Super League expanding to 14 teams in 2009 with the adoption of a franchise system.

"This should be a great weekend for the whole game, and the game in Wales in particular," he told BBC Sport.

"What every Super League club should be doing is working towards helping Great Britain beat the best teams in the world, so to get more Super League sides across the country will be good.

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"Maybe there could be one in south Wales and one in Cumbria, then the Midlands and maybe another one in London in years to come."

Rugby league is beginning to thrive in the English capital thanks to the efforts of the RFL, Harlequins and other clubs, the likes of the London Skolars, South London Storm and West London Sharks.

It is also strong in Cumbria, but Purdham feels more could and should be done.

"There's a lot of talent going to waste because there's no Super League there," said the former Whitehaven player.

"People are having to get jobs when they should be playing full-time, so this is a chance to make a lot of dreams come true and enhance British rugby league by getting the talent when it's young."

Injury means Michael Withers will be forced to watch from the sidelines

Michael Withers is another player who believes Millennium Magic could leave a lasting impression on the British game.

"It would be good to have this as an annual Easter thing. Fans could come down for the weekend and they could get a big crowd for both days," the Wigan full-back told BBC Sport.

"Maybe then can see how it goes this year and hopefully they can improve it for next year. It's a great thing."

Cardiff's Millennium Stadium will stage several key games this weekend, notably the derbies between Wigan and St Helens, Hull FC and Hull KR, and Bradford and Leeds.

Such a strong fixture list should help create a big-game atmosphere in a big-game venue.

"Unfortunately for some clubs, they don't make the Cup finals, so they don't get to experience what kind of a weekend it is," said Australian Withers.

"When this weekend happens, they'll get the chance to come down and experience new things. I'm sure they'll be very impressed."

Huddersfield's Robbie Paul agrees and cannot wait for the Cardiff spectacle to begin.

He hopes to have recovered from a broken hand in time to play against Wakefield on Sunday and also plans to enjoy the weekend like any other spectator.

Robbie Paul (centre) says fans are in for a treat this weekend

"The whole concept and idea of the weekend is fantastic," said the former Bradford player.

"It's absolutely magical. I'd rather come down as a fan, if I'm honest.

"I've been a rugby league fan all my life, so the chance to watch the five other games over the weekend will be awesome.

"I've played here two or three times with New Zealand and Bradford, and it's an awesome venue.

"Every time I've played the roof has been on and the crowd noise was amazing. It wasn't so much a noise, it was a texture. You could actually feel it.

"In the middle of the pitch, the noise is something crazy. The only other place I've ever experienced anything like that was at the old Wembley."

Whether the new Wembley can emulate its predecessor remains to be seen, but the Millennium Stadium, full or not, looks like being the place to be this weekend.