Super League Magic Weekend is done and dusted for another year, and there were plenty of talking points across the two days.
Three games were won by just two points, and with just one blowout score and record attendances on day two, it certainly looks like Magic Weekend is still alive and kicking.
Over half of the clubs’ ticket allocations were close to if not completely sold out, especially those in attendance on day two, and following the news that the event is set to return to Newcastle yet again in 2026, fans across the game show there’s definitely still demand for the Weekend, espeicllay across a Bank Holiday Weekend.
However, with plenty of highlights, there comes a handful of downsides of the event. Whether it’s on the pitch performances or off-field issues, Magic Weekend 2025 splits opinions in the rugby league.
We’ve selected some winners and losers from Super League Magic Weekend 2025.
Winners of Super League Magic Weekend 2025
Leigh Leopards as real contenders
After a successful April, winning four from four, the Leopards carried on that form into May. Whilst their defence wasn’t a highlight after conceding 24 points, Leigh look like they can attack and score from just about every position along the line. Whether it be from their outside backs out wide to their forwards down the middle, the combinations between Ben McNamara and Lachlan Lam in the halves also helped Leigh gain the victory. Ethan O’Neill also had the best try celebration of the weekend, helping raise money for MND.
Hull KR show no signs of slowing down
Whilst their first-half performance was a little sloppy, it was job done in the second half, scoring 54 points and making sure Salford Red Devils were nilled. It felt like Rovers were trying a little too hard in the first half with some questionable attacking decisions, but those were ironed out in the second half. Whilst it wasn’t their best performance of the season, Hull KR came away with two points and remain top of the table. If that isn’t job done, we don’t know what is!
Leeds Rhinos building blocks
Leeds’ performance against St Helens was certainly not a vintage Leeds performance. However, the Rhinos are slowly going about their business in 2025. With injuries to most of their spine players this season, Jake Connor has been their only player to have played in every game and every week, and he looks to be finding his feet more in this team setup. With Lachie Miller at fullback, the duo definitely look to be complementing each other’s game more as the season goes on.
Losers of Super League Magic Weekend 2025
Pressure on St Helens
We’ve got used to seeing a clinical St Helens attack over recent years, but their performance against Leeds Rhinos was far from that. Replacing Jon Bennison with Jonny Lomax and moving Tristan Sailor onto the wing really didn’t work. The usual partnership between their spine wasn’t firing at all, and their forward pack just couldn’t get a foothold on the game. Whilst Leeds were far from perfect, they looked like they had options in attack.
Hull FC’s discipline
Once again, Hull FC’s discipline is continuing to dim the shine on what had been a decent start to the season before their loss against Huddersfield Giants. With Liam Knight’s red card and Sam Eseh’s stint in the sin-bin, that’s now nine cards for the Black and Whites in Super League this season, with seven yellows and two reds. That’s on top of the increasing penalty count; Hull FC boss John Cartwright needs to get a handle on this pronto before it all unravels and they slip even further down the table.
The Salford saga
Yet another loss for Salford, but with rumours swirling that even more problems are happening off the field, a 54-0 loss against Hull KR doesn’t help get the fans onside either. Whilst Salford always show spirit, their multiple squad changes every single week aren’t allowing any connections and partnerships to build up, particularly in the spine. It’s a great opportunity for their youngsters to get in some minutes, but it still feels like an uphill battle for the Red Devils.
Your #MagicWKND Team of the Week 🤩#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/uMp4nMQMov
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 5, 2025
