Magic Weekend 2022: The fixtures have been released with the event taking place at Newcastle United’s St James’ Park

Earlier this week, the venue and fixtures for the 2022 Magic Weekend were released with the event staying in Newcastle.

After last year’s thrilling opening day which saw Catalans Dragons’ come back in the final five minutes to beat Super League champions, St Helens, in golden point. Catalans secured their first-ever League Leaders Shield thanks to a drop-goal from James Maloney.

To add more excitement, the very next game between Leeds Rhinos and Hull FC, that capped off the opening day, also went into golden point with Leeds securing the two points thanks to a Kruise Leeming drop-goal.

Over recent years, we have seen derby games at Magic Weekend taken away with the fixtures arranged by league positions from the previous season.

Many Rugby League fans have argued that they want to see derby matches brought back to the event and it isn’t just the spectators that are delighted to see derby matches brought back in 2022.

Hull FC’s Jamie Shaul, who played in his side’s golden point defeat to Leeds last year, has played in many Magic Weekend fixtures including the derby fixtures against near city neighbours Hull Kingston Rovers.

The full-back admitted he is happy to see the derby games finally make a welcomed return to the event.

“I think for spectators, Hull FC and [Hull Kingston] Rovers fans it is good to have the event back in Newcastle as it is a good weekend.

“My Mum and Dad go every year and they love it. As a player, you get the big game feeling like you would ahead of a semi-final and final because it’s at a neutral ground like Newcastle which is a massive stadium. I think it is great to see the derby back as those games are always amazing”.

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