Newcastle miss out on the Magic

NEWCASTLE United have missed out on hosting rugby league’s Magic Weekend next year in what could be a £10million blow for the city.

- By ROSS GREGORY Football editor [e-mail]

St James’ Park has been the venue for Super League's showpiece event on a record eight occasions which has provided a massive lift for the club’s PSR status as well as Newcastle’s economy.

The event, which has proven popular with supporters over the years, appeared likely to be shelved as part of plans to expand Super League to 14 teams. But talks over the 2026 edition were revived, with Newcastle interested in hosting.

However, Premier League rivals Everton have beaten them to the event, and will host the action at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium next July, with the 19th Super League Magic Weekend heading to the Mersey waterfront.

The Journal understands that St James’ Park wasn’t available for the dates that were being looked at. Magic Weekend will take place on July 4-5 next year, which is later than the previous May events.