The Super League’s Iconic Magic Weekend Turns 17
The Super League’s Magic Weekend has firmly established itself as one of rugby league’s most anticipated annual events since its debut in 2007. This year, the festivities will be held at Elland Road in Leeds, marking the first time the event has taken place at the historic stadium.
The concept of Magic Weekend was first announced in September 2006, with the RFL chairman at the time, Richard Lewis, citing expansion and financial factors as the driving forces behind the move to host the inaugural event at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. The inaugural Magic Weekend in 2007 drew nearly 60,000 fans across the two-day spectacle, solidifying its place as a must-see fixture in the Super League calendar.
Over the years, the event has been held at various iconic venues, including Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool, and Newcastle. The 2024 edition will take place at Leeds’ Elland Road, continuing the tradition of showcasing rugby league’s showpiece event at some of the sport’s most renowned stadiums.
The history of Magic Weekend is punctuated by numerous iconic moments that have captured the imagination of rugby league enthusiasts.
From Jordan Tansey’s controversial match-winner for Leeds in 2007 to Jarrod Sammut’s dazzling Super League debut for Crusaders in 2010, the event has witnessed its fair share of unforgettable highlights.
Other standout moments include:
- Sam Tomkins’ wonder try for Wigan in 2012
- Danny McGuire’s five-try haul for Leeds
- David Hodgson’s late winner for Hull KR in the city derby
More recently, Jacob Miller’s stunning drop goal for Wakefield Trinity in 2016 and Kirk Yeaman’s comeback from retirement to aid Hull FC in 2018 have added to the event’s storied legacy.
The 2018 edition also saw a unique first, with a non-Super League fixture between Toulouse Olympique and Toronto Wolfpack being played as part of the Magic Weekend festivities in Newcastle. This international flavor was further showcased in 2022 when Toulouse, now a Super League club, defeated Wakefield at the event.
As the rugby league community looks ahead to the 2023 Magic Weekend at Elland Road, the anticipation builds for more unforgettable moments that will solidify the event’s status as a true showpiece of the sport.
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