Magic Weekend’s return to St James’ Park in Newcastle this year felt particularly significant, marking not only a moment of celebration for rugby league but also a sign of the sport’s continued growth and popularity. The May bank holiday weekend provided a much-needed boost to the game, especially after the endless boardroom discussions that have dominated headlines in recent months. A crowd of 64,156 attended, making it the largest since 2018 and the highest-ever Sunday attendance, highlighting the event’s drawing power and solidifying Newcastle’s place as the ideal host for future Magic Weekends.
On the field, the weekend was packed with excitement and drama, with several key teams making moves in the Super League standings. Wigan, with their dynamic duo of Jai Field and Bevan French, clinched a hard-fought 22-20 victory over Warrington. The two players were the standout performers of the game, both scoring stunning tries that helped Wigan edge out a battling Warrington side, which was dealing with a number of injuries. The victory kept Wigan firmly in the hunt for the top spots, maintaining their challenge at the summit of the league.
The game also underscored the growing dominance of a select group of teams at the top of the table. Hull KR, Leigh, and Wigan appear to have separated themselves from the rest of the competition, with these three teams leading the charge for a place in the Grand Final. Despite the efforts of several other clubs, it’s clear that these sides are in a race of their own for the league’s top honors.
While Wigan’s victory stood out, the weekend also featured Huddersfield’s first win of the season, as they triumphed 12-10 over Hull. This result was significant not just for Huddersfield but also for the wider implications it has on the league. Hull had started the season with high hopes but have begun to falter as the campaign progresses. Their loss was compounded by disciplinary issues, with two key players being sent off, adding fuel to the ongoing debate about high tackle laws and the inconsistency in how such incidents are handled. This issue has been a recurring topic in Super League, with many coaches and players calling for greater clarity and understanding of the rules surrounding dangerous tackles.
As the Super League season moves toward the midpoint, the Magic Weekend has become a crucial marker in the calendar for assessing the title race. With the leading teams now clearly defined, it’s likely that the battle for the playoffs will intensify as the season progresses. Wigan, Hull KR, and Leigh will be the teams to watch, but the competition for the remaining playoff spots remains fierce, with several teams still in the mix.
Off the field, the future of Magic Weekend in Newcastle is already being discussed, with early talks suggesting the event will return to St James’ Park next year. This weekend’s success only strengthened the case for the city to remain the event’s home for the foreseeable future. RL Commercial’s CEO, Rhodri Jones, confirmed that the decision to bring the event back to Newcastle in 2026 is virtually finalized, with no other venues currently under consideration. The passion of the fans and the venue’s suitability for the event make it clear that Magic Weekend has found a new, permanent home.
Overall, Magic Weekend’s return to Newcastle was a massive success, not only in terms of the on-field action but also in terms of the atmosphere it created and the support it garnered. As Super League looks ahead to the future, the event’s success will likely shape its direction, with St James’ Park continuing to play a pivotal role in the rugby league calendar for years to come.
