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This week’s spotlight is on Magic in Manchester. If you wanted top class rugby league action, good weather and a few beers, the Magic Weekend will not have disappointed you.
A record crowd of 64,552 attended the two-day event and were treated to some fantastic entertainment. Most of the games were close, with only two blow outs.
London’s search for a first win continues after coming close against Catalan. The French side, who are terrible travelers, sneaked a two-point win in the first game.
Widnes stay in sixth spot after defeating Salford for the third time this season, thanks this time to a last-minute try from Paddy Flynn.
Hull KR and Hull FC served up a tough game. Rovers went 18-0 up before letting slip two tries before half time. Hull’s Jason Crookes became the fifth player to be sent off at Magic, before Rovers sealed victory.
A young Wigan side turned Leeds over in something of a shock result. Leading at half time, the cherry and whites withstood a Leeds onslaught, winning 18-14 to end a spectacular first day.
Castleford began the second in startling form as they crushed Wakefield 50-12. Marc Sneyd scored two tries and kicked seven goals for a personal 20-point haul.
Nine players scored tries as Huddersfield put 54 on struggling Bradford, who made a decent start but faded towards the end of the first half.
The final game of the weekend saw Warrington overcome an uncharacteristically poor St Helens side to record their seventh win of the season. Leading 18-6 at half time, the Wolves went on to score another 23 points, ending the weekend in style.
Where now for Magic?
The Etihad is to undergo a face lift next year as Manchester City look to expand their stadium’s capacity. This means the Magic weekend will probably have to find a new host.
Supporters have suggested the likes of Newcastle’s St James Park, Wembley, a return to Cardiff and even the Walker’s Stadium in Leicester.
I’d like to see event at Anfield, Liverpool. The famous stadium is easy to get to, has an ideal capacity and the city itself is fantastic and possesses a booming nightlife. It will be interesting to see where the RFL choose to go next but one thing is for certain: we will be there.
Try of the week
Liam Salter’s second try gets the gong this week, and not for the actual try, but the build up.
Travis Burns broke right through the middle of Hull’s line and found halfback partner Kris Keating. His ability to keep the ball alive despite attention from a couple of defenders and slip a pass to 20-year-old Salter to touch down was a work of real patience and class.
Class in a glass
Marc Sneyd’s two-try performance for Castleford against Wakefield on Sunday was one of the highlights of the weekend. The young on-loan Salford scrum half was exceptional throughout in a mature performance that belies his age.
Keep an eye on this kid, he’s going to be a good one.
In brief
Willie Isa has agreed to a new contract with Widnes and will remain in Cheshire for another two years.
Frankie Mariano has signed a new two-year deal at Castleford despite reported interest from former club Hull KR. The big prop celebrated the contract extension with a try in their win over local rivals Wakefield.
Paddy Flynn has extended his stay at Widnes by another two years.
Steve Pickergill has called time on his career at the age of 28. The Widnes prop has not played since June 2013 after sustaining a neck injury and as a result has decided to hang up his boots. Good luck for the future, Steve.
Andy Hay has left his post at Salford to take up the vacant head coaching role at Championship heavyweights Featherstone Rovers.
Super League have agreed to yet another sponsorship deal with well known pick-up truck company Isuzu.
Bradford’s points deduction appeal hearing is set for Wednesday 4 June.
Leaderboard (W-D-L)
We have nine non-movers this week. Leeds and St Helens remain top and second respectively after defeats and relegation-threatened London and Bradford failed to pick up any points again.
Hull KR are in the top eight after defeating Hull FC, who fall to 10th below Catalan. Castleford leapfrog Wigan into third on points difference.
1 (-) Leeds 10-1-2
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2 (-) St Helens 10-0-3
3 (4) Castleford 9-0-4
4 (3) Wigan 8-0-3
5 (-) Huddersfield 7-2-4
6 (-) Widnes 8-0-4
7 (-) Warrington 7-0-6
8 (9) Hull KR 5-2-6
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9 (10) Catalan 6-0-7
10 (8) Hull FC 5-0-8
11 (-) Salford 4-1-8
12 (-) Wakefield 4-0-9
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13 (-) Bradford 3-0-10
14 (-) London 0-0-13
*Bradford deducted 6 points for entering administration.
Injury update
Blake Green is looking at up to three months out after he tore his bicep on Sunday. The Australian halfback, who is out of contract at the end of this season, joins a long list of Wigan players currently on the sidelines.
Player movements
Former Catalan Dragon Setaimata Sa is back in rugby league after signing for Hull FC from union side London Irish.
Suspension
Jason Crooks (Hull FC) – two games for a Grade B careless high tackle against Hull KR.
Rumour mill
Castleford have declared their interest in Marc Sneyd. The scrum half is on loan from Salford and has put together a string of impressive displays which have caught the eye of Daryl Powell.
Beard watch
Stefan Ratchford displayed all the hallmarks of a brilliant full beard on Sunday evening. Not only this, but his drop goal put the game beyond doubt against St Helens. Bravo, Stefan. Good stuff.
Ipso facto 1
Widnes’ win over Salford is their first ever Magic Weekend victory.
Ipso facto 2
Four teams scored 24 points but only Catalan were victorious.
Ipso facto 3
Bradford have concede 40 or more points on five separate occasions this season.
Quote of the week
“Magic Weekend 2014 a truly memorable weekend featuring fantastic rugby league played in a fantastic atmosphere in a fantastic stadium. All the fans at the Etihad Stadium over the two days must have felt they had been spoiled!
“I would like to thank the clubs, the players who performed so brilliantly, the Etihad Stadium staff and, most importantly of all, the supporters who combined to produce a carnival atmosphere both inside and outside the stadium.” Super League Chairman Brian Barwick
Final thought
Super League have paid tribute and thanked the supporters of the greatest game for a fantastic and memorable Magic Weekend. We really are extraordinary.
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