Magic Weekend will officially remain on the Super League calendar, the RFL have confirmed.
Following the switch to a 14-team competition and the removal of loop fixtures, the two-day event was put in huge doubt, due to the game wanting to eradicate all extra games to leave a 26-round competition to allow teams to play each other once at home and once away.
However, that decision has been not come to fruition, with clubs playing a major part in the agreement to keep it, due to increase revenue and extra merchandise sales.
In what is a change to the previous years, though, Magic will not be held at Newcastle’s St James’ Park, as it has done for eight of the past 11 years.
Last year’s event, which was held in the North East, saw a cumulative attendance of 64,156 watch the event, in what was an increase of over 10,000 compared to the Elland Road event in 2024.
However, rugby league’s annual weekend away will head to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium in 2026, following the success of the second Rugby League Ashes Test that was held there earlier this month.
Taking place on the weekend of July 4th and 5th, with three games being played each day. The specific kick-off times are still to be confirmed, but RL Commercial have revealed what the six fixtures will look like.
The three biggest derbies in the sport will all take place at Everton, with Hull KR taking on Hull FC, Wigan Warriors and St Helens going at it and Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls facing off now that the Bulls are in the top flight once again.
Elsewhere, York Knights will take on Huddersfield Giants in their first ever Magic event. The club are in Super League for the first time in it’s 30 year history, and have made some impressive signings as they hope to remain in the division for longer than just this year.
Another huge rivalry sees Wakefield Trinity take on Castleford Tigers, as they did at Newcastle last year. Trinity took an emphatic win that day, with prop forward Caius Faatili scoring the pick of the tries in a 32-8 win.
Leigh Leopards and Warrington Wolves are also set to square off. The Leopards have won the last four league meetings between the two, although Sam Burgess’ men did earn a victory in the Challenge Cup in May last year.
The seventh game, which will be Catalans Dragons vs Toulouse Olympique, will not be played in Merseyside, and instead will take place at a neutral venue in France. Where that will be played is to be confirmed, and due to broadcast deals it means that kick-off times for the six confirmed fixtures haven’t been announced as they’re subject to change based on the French game.
A press release given to members of the RL media explained this, saying: “Kick-off times will be confirmed in due course, and for the first time plans are being explored for a dedicated Magic fixture in France, with the match between Catalans Dragons and Toulouse Olympique to be played at a neutral venue across the Channel.”
RL Commercial CEO Rhodri Jones said how delighted he was to be able to keep Magic Weekend on the calendar, and explained the decision to move to the Hill Dickinson.
He said: “With memories still fresh of an unforgettable occasion for the Ashes Test, we’re delighted to be able to confirm a return to Hill Dickinson Stadium for the 2026 Betfred Super League Magic Weekend.
“This will be the seventh venue to stage Magic since it was introduced as a new concept for sport in 2007, and our clubs, players and supporters are in for a treat.
“It’s a stunning stadium with outstanding facilities at all levels, and also superbly located for summer on the waterfront, and with the many and varied attractions of Liverpool within easy reach.
Super League Magic Weekend 2026 schedule
All kick-off times are to be finalised once the date, time and location is revealed for Catalans vs Toulouse*
Day 1:
York Knights vs Huddersfield Giants
Hull FC vs Hull KR
Leigh Leopards vs Warrington Wolves
Day 2:
Wakefield Trinity vs Castleford Tigers
Leeds Rhinos vs Bradford Bulls
Wigan Warriors vs St Helens
