Tuesday 24 May 2016 07:01, UK
The winners and losers at Magic Weekend plus the build-up to one of the greatest sporting rivalries on Earth, State of Origin, feature in Set of Six.
The Magic of Newcastle
A record 68,276 fans turned up at St James' Park over the two days to cheer on their teams as once again Magic Weekend delivered.
"The Dacia Magic Weekend has been an incredible success this year and once again rugby league fans have turned out in force, creating an incredible atmosphere and helping to make this one of the most memorable weekends in the event's history," said Rugby Football League chief executive Nigel Wood.
Plans will be starting soon for Magic Weekend 2017 with Newcastle the favourite to host the event for a third year in a row.
The event has been taken to Cardiff, Edinburgh and Manchester since it was first held in 2007 and officials say a decision on the venue for next year will be made following a review in the coming months.
Hull FC in pole position
On the field, Hull FC stormed to the top of the Super League table with a 28-16 win over Hull KR. The Black and Whites went into Magic Weekend level on points with Warrington and Catalans, but with the Wolves losing to Cas and Wakefield downing the Dragons - more on those later - Hull FC battled back from 16-10 down to claim a 10th win from their last 11 games and top the table.
Derbies always bring out the best of teams, but Hull KR coach James Webster believes that their fierce rivals are the real deal.
"They are a good team - a good fast team - and have a massive squad that is fully fit," he said. "Do I expect them to be pushing for [the title]? One hundred per cent."
That one pointer
Was that the most important drop-goal in Wakefield's history? That remarkable one pointer from Jacob Miller earned the Wildcats a dramatic 25-24 win over Catalans Dragons.
It was their third successive victory which moved them up to sixth on the Super League table. And Wakey coach Chris Chester believes they are just three wins away from securing a place in the Super 8s.
That is some achievement from a side who were bottom of the table when the Super League split into the play-offs last season.
As for Miller's drop-goal: "I thought he had no chance, to be honest, but I am pleased he got it through the posts," said Chester.
Castleford bounce back
It was a weekend of comebacks as Cas also fought back from 14-0 down to earn a stunning 34-14 win against Warrington.
It was a fantastic display of attacking rugby from the Tigers as Denny Solomona and Luke Dorn scored two tries against a Wolves side who pride themselves on their defence.
This is the second week in a row that Warrington have conceded more than 30 points following their 36-28 defeat to Wakefield and they would have left Newcastle a tad concerned. No such concerns for Cas though who will be confident ahead of Thursday's clash with Wigan, live on Sky Sports.
What next for Leeds and McDermott?
Another side who would have been happy to see the back of St James' Park was Leeds who succumbed to their 12th defeat in 15 Super League matches. This time it was Wigan handing out the punishment - a 40-8 loss that has heaped even more pressure on coach Brian McDermott.
McDermott has not given up and still believes his side can turn things around but concedes the 2015 treble champions may be out of the Grand Final running.
"As weeks go by and you keep losing games, your objectives shift," McDermott told the Yorkshire Evening Post.
"I don't know whether I am giving up on the Grand Final. I don't think I am, but numerically we just might be out of touch at the moment.
"But I want to mix with and train with and work with and pretty much live with a group of men who just give it absolutely everything each week."
State of Origin
One of the greatest sporting rivalries in the world is set to kick-off again in 2016 as Queensland and New South Wales have announced their teams.
The first of the three match series will take place June 1 at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney with the second on June 22 and the third and final game on July 13.
Queensland are the defending champions and have stuck with a winning team with only two new faces - Broncos winger Corey Oates and Cowboys centre Justin O'Neil getting the nod.
NSW have rung the changes from the side that was destroyed 52-6 in game three last year.
Blues coach Laurie Daley has called rookies Adam Reynolds, Matt Moylan Josh Mansour, Dylan Walker and Tyson Frizell into his 19-man squad.
"We have a couple of players in doubt, we don't have to name a team for a while, so we will see how it goes," Daley told Australian Associated Press.
One player who should be able to take his spot in Origin 1 is Robbie Farah who is confident he will have recovered from concussion.
"It is just a matter of resting up and making sure that I am fully recovered," he said. "I am feeling good and looking forward to preparing well for next Wednesday."
