Magic Weekend loaded with possibility for playoffs and relegation

Super League’s Magic Weekend returns to Newcastle this weekend with plenty of stories to digest. Arguably there has never been a more decisive Magic event in regards to on-field permutations, with several fixtures likely to have a decisive say in the race for top spot, the playoffs and who is relegated to the Championship. The 15th edition of one of the most anticipated weekends in the rugby league calendar could be one of the most important yet, on and off the field.

The pandemic stunted the initial impact of the Learning Disability Super League, a competition aimed at giving opportunities for people to play rugby league who may otherwise not be able to. But this weekend the competition will have a moment in the Magic spotlight to savour, with players from 16 clubs playing at St James’ Park.

Almost 300 players with a learning disability or autism will feature at half-time of the second match on each of the two days across the weekend. The games are played on a quarter-pitch with seven-a-side teams, and each team features two non-disabled players. It is a concept aimed at improving the lives of people who love rugby league and after its initial success pre-pandemic, it will be a standout moment of Magic 2022 to witness so many people have a chance to play on an iconic pitch when, just a few years ago, that dream was impossible.

Magic Weekend is one of five major sporting events this summer to endorse the Sky 0 initiative, aimed at making sport as green as possible. Supporters will be asked to make small yet impactful changes to their matchday experience to help generate positive action against climate change. Super League has also introduced plenty of vegan options at St James’ Park alongside meat-based options, with