Super League coaches give honest opinion on Magic Weekend amidst Paris and Dublin rumours

Amidst reports that Magic Weekend could head abroad in 2025, three Super League coaches have given their opinions on the event.

There had been doubts that the event would even take place in 2025 with some believing that the 2024 edition could be the 17th and final Magic Weekend, however, those fears were silenced by Rugby League Commercial Chief Rhodri Jones.

Jones told Love Rugby League Magic Weekend will be held once again in 2025 whilst reports also emerged that both Paris and Dublin could be considered for the showpiece event.

There has been frustration among fans about the move to Elland Road with many viewing St James Park in Newcastle as a near-perfect venue, however, three Super League coaches have given their verdict on the event that starts on Saturday.

It’s also expected to be a sell-out at Elland Road, particularly on Saturday, with three bumper games in Hull FC v London Broncos, St Helens taking on Wigan Warriors and hometown side Leeds Rhinos facing Warrington Wolves.

Sunday’s games also involve two top-eight ties as Leigh face Salford, and leaders Hull KR face Catalans before Huddersfield and Castleford round out the weekend.

“I love the concept” – Magic given thumbs up by Super League coaches

Both the head coaches of the teams involved in that final game between Huddersfield Giants and Castleford Tigers have given their verdict on Magic Weekend as an event with Luke Robinson and Craig Lingard both speaking to BBC West Yorkshire Sport.

Robinson, who played in the very first edition in Cardiff, is a huge fan as he explained: “I love the concept, I love the fact that we’re taking the game to different venues and there are 12 different sets of fans all mingling, all mixing, having a good time.

“Obviously, there’s always a little bit of something going on but very rarely does it happen in rugby league. I think the concept is great, I love it.”

For Lingard, there’s a bonus in the game being played at Elland Road as he is a big Leeds United fan. He stated: “I’m looking forward to it, especially at Elland Road being a Leeds United fan, it’s going to be nice being out on that field. It’s a different venue but ultimately just a game in Super League where we need to get two points.”

The team that wins that final game on Sunday will actually cement themselves as the team with the best Magic Weekend record, something that Huddersfield currently have with 10 wins, one draw and five losses at Magic.

Could Magic Weekend work in Dublin or Paris?

Meanwhile, Hull FC head coach Simon Grix was asked about the event when speaking ahead of his side’s clash with opens up Magic Weekend. The Black and Whites take on London Broncos knowing a win would pull them four points clear of bottom.

Speaking on the club’s YouTube channel, he too was a big fan explaining: “If done at the right place and given enough attention to make it a big event, I do like it.”

He was also asked about the recent reports that the event could go on the road, with both Paris and Dublin mentioned, and that’s something he’s also given the green light on.

“I think it would make it a bit more of an event, wouldn’t it, if it was in somewhere new like that. Not that there was anything wrong with Newcastle, I think everyone enjoyed it up there.

“From my playing career, I played it at the Etihad, Cardiff, Edinburgh. Each of them were great days out. Anyone that goes always has positive things to say about it. So wherever it is, I think it’s a good event on the calendar, but if you’re taking it somewhere new, I don’t see why that would hurt.

“Rugby League fans generally travel pretty well and it could be good in Dublin or Paris as you mentioned. It will be interesting to see where they go with it.”