Magic Weekend – Love it or Hate it?

The 22nd Magic Weekend is upon us as Newcastle once again takes centre stage for two days of Rugby League action.

Fans from across the country will come together to enjoy a party atmosphere as the Betfred Super League showcases the sport that has it all!

With the new Premier League season four weeks away, Newcastle fans can fulfil their sporting rush by enjoying six Super League games at an incredibly generous price.

As a Wigan fan in Newcastle I love getting the opportunity to attend Magic Weekend and have done 3 times now. It’s a really enjoyable weekend – agree with many comments about fixtures etc. but for us locals it’s a real celebration event for all & great showcase for junior clubs.

— Ruth (@MillibananaRuth) July 4, 2022

But as good as it is, Magic Weekend isn’t for everyone! There are plenty of supporters who don’t like or agree with the concept and would much rather continue with regular league fixtures. A popular argument amongst fans is the fact derby games are played too frequently throughout the season, and with the addition of the magic fixtures, some argue it creates an imbalanced league system.

Hate it, won’t go no matter what the venue, be made up if they scrapped it along with all the loop fixtures that create an imbalanced league system.

— Ginger Warrior ?⚪️? (@WiganFan13) July 4, 2022

For example, the Hull derby is a huge game within the City of Hull. However, many fans believe it should only be played twice a season to maintain the special nature of the derby fixture.

Of course the financial aspect must always be considered. For fans of the Wigan Warriors, it is a 318 mile round trip from the DW Stadium to St James’s Park which, with the current fuel prices, is going to cost fans a lot of money.

Used to love it but I feel the novelty has worn off. Now I just feel having to travel 320 mile round trip instead of a 14mile trip for a wigan saints derby league game just pointless and expensive…

— C H R I S ?⚪ (@dizzlekicks2603) July 4, 2022

Just like any event, Magic Weekend will always have its critics but after gathering fan’s opinions it is clear that there is still plenty of love.

We as a family love it, the kids see it is a rugby holiday halfway through the season as we make a full weekend of it with the hotel & get to watch other teams too. Great stadium, love the atmosphere, locals all get on board with it, definitely one you need to experience ?

— Becci Hunt (@MrsHunt14) July 4, 2022

Since it’s introduction in 2007 (Cardiff), there have been 15 Magic Weekends which have taken place all around the UK. Edinburgh took over as host for two years between 2009 & 2010. The event then moved to the North West with the Etihad Stadium hosting from 2012-2014. Newcastle was up next in 2015, hosting the event for four years before a year off in 2019 with Anfield taking over.

Newcastle proved to be the most popular venue amongst fans and therefore Magic Weekend returned to Tyneside last year, providing arguably the best weekend to date.

Golden point victories for Leeds Rhinos and Catalans Dragons against the reigning champions St Helens ultimately handed the French side the League leaders shield for the very first time.

The weekend is one of the only sports that can have different sets of fans mixed within each other and have very little to no issues. Would you be able to do this in the Premier League? I don’t think so! This is a huge credit to Rugby League fans.

Love it, really looking forward to it again. Going up 9am Saturday morning with a mix of Saints and Wigan fans staying over and coming home Sunday. Each to their own but I find it hard to understand anyone who goes and doesn't have a great time. Perfect venue for it too.

— Wayne Haselden (@WayneHaselden) July 4, 2022

As St James’s Park prepares for Rugby League fans to descend on the city once again, they are in for a treat with some huge games that have big ramifications at both ends of the Super League table. No more so than the opening game on Saturday which sees Wakefield Trinity take on newly promoted Toulouse Olympique.

With just four points between the bottom two sides, a win for Sylvain Houle’s team would reduce the gap to just two points as we approach the final month of the season.

If that wasn’t good enough, the two biggest derbies in Super League are back as Hull FC take on Hull Kingston Rovers, and it is 1st vs 2nd as St Helens face Wigan Warriors. The Warriors could pull level on points at the top of the table with their nearest rivals with a win on Saturday afternoon.

One thing that isn’t in doubt is there is going to be six highly entertaining Super League games across the two days in Newcastle once again!

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