Super League rugby stars can't wait for the Newcastle Magic Weekend atmosphere

Tens of thousands of Rugby League fans will be in Newcastle this week for the Magic Weekend, which is set to bring millions of pounds to the city.

Super League's annual celebration sees an entire round of games being played at St James' Park on Saturday July 9 and Sunday July 10. Newcastle has become a home-from-home for rugby league fans, having hosted the Magic Weekend five times since 2015.

"The atmosphere is always brilliant, it's got a different feeling, it's sort of like a huge party," St Helen's and England centre, Mark Percival told ChronicleLive.

"I think getting all the fans together, it's something that's brilliant for the game."

St Helen's play their huge rivals, Wigan Warriors, at St James' Park, on Saturday, in between Toulouse taking on Wakefield and Leeds playing Castleford.

"We're really looking forward to the atmosphere when we get here, loads of different fans, from different teams, the whole rugby league family coming together, creating a great weekend," Warriors' hooker Sam Powell said ahead of Saturday's derby with St Helen's.

"As you drive in, you see all the fans from different teams. Our fans always make the most of it, come for the weekend and really get behind us. When you do get to step out on this [St James' Park] pitch, it's great, one that we're really looking forward to."

The weekend is also an opportunity for newcomers to watch rugby league ahead of Newcastle hosting four Rugby League World Cup games this autumn. Newcastle's World Cup fixtures include the tournament opener, England v Samoa, at St James Park, on Saturday October 15, 2022.

"I don't think they'll be disappointed if they make the effort to come. It's fast, high skill, with a great atmosphere all day," added Wigan man Sam.