Yesterday was arguably the greatest day in the history of the Magic Weekend. We were treated to three superb games two of which were undoubted Magic Weekend classics. Castleford saw off Salford to inch closer to the play-offs, Catalans came up with one of the greatest comebacks ever to secure the League Leaders’ Shield whilst Leeds and Hull served up a thriller which the Rhinos just about edged. That was my view anyway. But what was yours? How did social media react to yesterday’s rugby?
Let’s start with Castleford. There win sees them remain inside the top six with just two games to go. It wasn’t the best performance of their season but a few key players conjured up big moments to secure the win. In particular stand in stand-off Peter Mata’utia produced a massive performance.
Hepi did a very good stint. Best in a Cas shirt.
But Matautia edges it for the game breaking try.— KM (@Mulvaney1Kevin) September 5, 2021
He certainly got supporters of his future club excited.
https://twitter.com/Sean_Spencer19/status/1434467048101457928?s=20
That said, his brother Sione was not to be outdone. He was superb for St Helens despite their defeat.
https://twitter.com/RyanMuldoonUK/status/1434217793390579712?s=20
Another Cas star who stole the show was Paul McShane. Well, at least until he went off injured.
Paul McShane putting on a masterclass so far #MagicWeekend
— John Davidson (@johnnyddavidson) September 4, 2021
Paul McShane what a player #MagicWeekend
— David Cass (@DavidCass_) September 4, 2021
For Salford fans, it was a disappointing loss but fans were optimistic after all they showed some good signs in the defeat.
Sadly outplayed down the middle, lots to build on though 👍
— Red Devil.. (@MartynG15) September 4, 2021
In the second game, Catalans created history thanks to a sensational comeback against the reigning Champions and a superb drop goal from James Maloney. It wraps up the League Leaders’ Shield for the French side which many believe is a landmark moment for the sport.
What a moment for the sport.
I really hope Catalan win the Grand Final. https://t.co/57oPP3WwgI
— Rugby League Dinosaur (@DinosaurLeague) September 4, 2021
Despite a nearly disastrous error during golden point, the Dragons number six stepped up as he always does with a huge moment to win the game.
Jimmy Maloney doing what James Maloney has done his whole life, talk about clutch. Born winner 👏 https://t.co/xhbD1JnrVq
— Will G (@willgots15) September 5, 2021
That was a great end to a game!
James Maloney's drop goal was great effort under pressure.— Kev Mannion (@Minion_Kev1) September 5, 2021
Another ex-NRL star also starred but for the opposition. Lachlan Coote had a superb match.
Meanwhile, other fans were surprised that, without plenty of their key players and down to 16 men thanks Rob Lui’s injury, the Rhinos found a way to win.
And 16 men for 75 minutes
— jon winter (@jonb4g) September 4, 2021
The star man for the Rhinos was young Harry Newman. His performance prompted some Leeds fans to demand he be given a new deal.
📝| New long term deal for this fella @leedsrhinos
🕕 6:00am Monday morning please! pic.twitter.com/nkQWf1Doec
— The Lot Pod (@Lot_17a) September 5, 2021
Please give Harry Newman a ten year deal Leeds, I beg u!
— Omar Alrawi (@O_Alrawi02) September 4, 2021
Even the departing Konrad Hurrell wants to see him sign a new long term deal with the Rhinos.
Here he is 😍🔥 #signhimforanither10years https://t.co/xsd1Ud91UW
— Konrad Hurrell (@konmanhurrell) September 5, 2021
It was certainly a dramatic and stressful game for both sides even despite the plenty of outstanding performances on show.
Finally!
Thank God we finally knocked one over.
I couldn't take anymore of that.
A massive win! 😁🦏👍 pic.twitter.com/Aw9uEvds58
— The Lot Pod (@Lot_17a) September 4, 2021
A lot of Hull fans weren’t pleased. They believed that their key players didn’t offer enough after the opening 50 minutes.
I must have been watching a different game to you Phil. The only time we looked like a three at was the handful of times Jake Connor played a part after his try he went missing… boring one up rugby most of the games. Same tactics as three coaches ago
— Alex Moody (@A_MooMoo87) September 5, 2021
Anyone seen Jake Connor for the last half an hour?
— Alex McDougall (@AlexMcDougall1) September 4, 2021
Others felt Hull were hard done by believing their try just before halftime should have stood.
https://twitter.com/SteveKerry15/status/1434242850523332619?s=20
https://twitter.com/ScottGShore/status/1434273058311786496?s=20
Nonetheless, the vast majority of Hull supporters were simply disillusioned by the defeat.
The club is going to end up in tatters, pass sales will be shit next season – only so long people will take this dross. I for one, sadly after years, will not be renewing mine.
— Emma Jackson (@JackoEmma86) September 5, 2021
