Liam Knight, Luke Keary, Rhyse Martin and Super League Magic Weekend moments you may have missed

Another Magic Weekend has come and gone and it’s fair to say entertainment was not in short supply. Leigh Leopards got the weekend off to a strong start as they edged out Catalans Dragons in the opening round of the contest before Hull KR made short work of Salford Red Devils.

Leeds Rhinos were the strong enough to edge out St Helens in the final game of Saturday before Huddersfield Giants claimed their first win of the season as they beat Hull FC on Sunday.

Wigan Warriors had to battle it out with Warrington Wolves to remain within two points of league leaders Hull KR and Wakefield Trinity thumped Castleford Tigers to wrap it all up. The weekend drew a crowd of 64,156 over the course of the weekend and that’s the strongest total since 2018, showing the merits of holding the event at St James’ Park in Newcastle.

Serious About Rugby League were at both days of Magic Weekend, so here’s a few things you might’ve missed if you were watching at home on TV.

PNG pals

Rhyse Martin was in attendance on Saturday to watch his Hull KR teammates take on Salford Red Devils, with the back-rower ruled out for a significant period due to injury. Martin was milling about in the crowd during the opening game between Leigh and Catalans and he gave updates on his injury to a number of fans and friends within the industry.

However, the Papua New Guinea international could also be seen giving Leigh man of the match Edwin Ipape a hug following the Leopards’ win. The pair are international teammates and they spent some time talking to each other next to the dugouts before the Robins and the Red Devils entered the field for game two.

Danny Richardson warming up

Richardson wasn’t included in the Hull KR line up to take on Salford and he wasn’t the 18th man at St James’ Park. However, the Robins had the half-back warming up and going through the motions up and down the touchline, which felt unusual.

Keary snub

Keary was the man everyone wanted to talk to following his comments in the Australian media about the quality of Super League, Keary wasn’t up for talking to anyone else, though. Steve McNamara told journalists to ask Keary about his comments after the game but the stand-off refused to stop in the mixed zone.

Newcastle United legend in attendance

Peter Beardsley has spoken of his love for rugby league in the past and the former England international was in attendance on Saturday watching Leeds Rhinos vs St Helens.

Lachie Miller’s explanation

With Betfred donating money to charity for every Magic Weekend try celebration, players from every club could be seen pulling out wild celebrations after scoring. Ethan O’Neill’s headstand might have been the most impressive, but Miller could be seen firing off a Spiderman impression after his try against Saints.

Asked about his celebration, Miller looked awkwardly at head coach Brad Arthur, who seemed to laugh before giving him respect when the full-back explained the link to his son, who was watching on from home.

Even the boss was touched by Lachlan Miller’s reason for his try celebration in last night’s win over St Helens and he raised some money for the @mndassoc in the process, good work Lachie
Watch the press conference in full here https://t.co/Pbmd3pp9ht pic.twitter.com/TFBOJTyz5h

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) May 4, 2025

Hull FC disappointment

Liam Knight could have no complaints about his red card at the start of the second day, connecting with the head of Sam Hewitt in a manner that lacked any mitigation. The incident was replayed on the big screens multiple times before referee Aaron Moore dismissed him from the field and the Black and Whites bench’s reaction said it all.

Every member of staff on the bench was looking up at the screen and coaches could be seen shaking their heads in disbelief and disappointment. Knight was patted on the back of the head as he walked down the tunnel and the prop spent the second half of the game sat behind the press box in what seemed like an understandably foul mood.

Pyro warning

Bounding out for the start of the second half, Hull FC spread across the field, ready to receive the kick off for the start of the second half. However, Litten found himself next to the pyro on the side of the pitch and had to step back quickly as flames blasted out of a box on the touchline. A little too close for comfort for the centre.