Newcastle to host Super League Magic Weekend for a second time in 2016
Friday 16 October 2015 11:43, UK
Super League’s 2016 Magic Weekend will again take place at Newcastle United’s St James’ Park.
More than 67,000 fans attended the matches in Newcastle for the 2015 event and fans of all 12 Super League teams will return to the North East on the weekend of May 21 & 22.
Saturday night's final game will be a repeat of this year's Grand Final that saw Leeds Rhinos complete an historic treble with victory over Wigan Warriors.
Rhinos head coach Brian McDermott said: "Magic Weekend is a brilliant event and it's great that it's going to be in Newcastle again.
"It's a fantastic stadium and there were lots of fans there this year which created a memorable atmosphere. I am particularly pleased for everyone involved in Rugby League in the North East.
"I know from personal experience how hard they have worked down the years to promote our game and it is fitting that they get their reward with another Magic Weekend after the success of last year's event. Hopefully it will be even better next year."
Salford Red Devils and Widnes Vikings will kick the weekend off, followed by Castleford Tigers against Warrington Wolves and the Leeds v Wigan match.
Day two begins with Catalans Dragons and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, with Huddersfield Giants facing St Helens in the penultimate game of the weekend.
Magic Weekend climaxes with the Hull derby - Hull FC v Hull Kingston Rovers.
Super League General Manager Blake Solly said: "We're delighted that Magic Weekend will be staged at Newcastle's St James' Park in 2016.
"Magic Weekend this year was a huge success. We had a record attendance for the weekend and it contained some incredible moments that will live long in the memory. I would like to thank everyone in Newcastle for their support with the event and hopefully we can build on the brilliant success of 2015."
