In the past the Magic Weekend has been the home of the derby between Wigan Warriors and St Helens, Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls and of course Hull FC and Hull KR but it’s future has been under question.
This is because when IMG became involved in the sport it was suggested that they would end the event to create more attention around the other big events such as the Grand Final and the Challenge Cup Final.
This was pushed back against many fans in the game who didn’t want to see the concept end. If it does stay, then the concept will move date with IMG moving the Challenge Cup moving earlier next year with the Magic Weekend likely to take place in August.
But what fixtures are we likely to see? The days of derbies are a thing of the past and the RFL are set to keep using the format they have done so lately. This is based on League Position from the previous season.
First place have been playing the side who finished third the year prior with second against fourth. Fifth then take on seventh with six and eight colliding. Lastly, the bottom four make up the last two games with 10th taking on the newly promoted side whilst ninth and 11th meet as well.
So what does this mean for the 2024 Magic Weekend should it take place? Well we can work out the fixtures for next year.
The two big games will see Wigan Warriors and St Helens meet in what will likely be the biggest game of the weekend as the oldest derby is brought to the Magic Weekend again with the last fixture between the two at Magic taking place in a dramatic clash in 2022.
The other game will see Grand Finalists Catalans Dragons battle Hull KR as the two teams who lost major finals in 2023 meet.
There will be another big game as Challenge Cup winners Leigh Leopards battle against local rivals Salford Red Devils whilst Warrington Wolves and Leeds Rhinos will meet in a massive game between two of the biggest teams in Super League as Sam Burgess gets his first taste of the Magic Weekend as a coach up against a new look Leeds side.
London Broncos’ return to the concept will see them take on Hull FC whilst Castleford Tigers and Huddersfield Giants will meet in a West Yorkshire derby.
