Exclusive: Leigh Centurions owner Derek Beaumont wanted to see the Summer Bash held here

The Magic Weekend and the Summer Bash are two of the most innovative concepts in any sport.

The idea that every side in one division can congregate at one venue over a weekend would be unthinkable in football, but it is very much a reality in rugby league.

Newcastle United’s St James’ Park seems to have been firmly embedded as the home for the Magic Weekend, whilst Blackpool’s Bloomfield Road has been used as a celebratory event for the Championship.

However, the Summer Bash was moved to Leeds Rhinos’ Headingley for 2022, but, for Leigh Centurions owner Derek Beaumont, he would have preferred to see it stay in Blackpool.

“I’d rather have seen it stay in Blackpool because of the novelty – I didn’t think it would get attended as well at Headingley,” Beaumont told Serious About Rugby League.

“That’s nothing against Headingley, it’s a fantastic facility and given Blackpool isn’t available for whatever reason, it is a good location but there’s no novelty factor.

“With Blackpool it is a holiday destination, everybody gets there and has a party – I just don’t think Headingley has that.

Overall, though, Beaumont is a big fan of the two concepts.

“I actually think there is a lot of value in the Summer Bash and the Magic Weekend, it is unique that our sport can have all competing clubs in the same area over the same weekend and all the fans can interact.

“You couldn’t imagine doing that with football.”

Beaumont’s Leigh were, of course, in a rampant mood at the weekend, thrashing nearest rivals Featherstone Rovers 46-16 as the rest of the Championship looked on in horror.

The Centurions were well on course for promotion to Super League, with Beaumont helping to bankroll some incredible signings to come through the doors at the Leigh Sports Village.

The likes of Blake Ferguson, Caleb Aekins, Nene MacDonald, John Asiata and Lachlan Lam are all Super League-quality signings and it’s amazing to see a second-tier side able to lure them to their club.