Magic Weekend serves up thrilling rugby action

Magic Weekend 2026 was action-packed and dramatic, with the biggest attendance ever, and it saved the best for last with a ferocious derby match between Wigan Warriors and St Helens at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Both teams had a number of injuries, but they still managed to put on a show, with three yellow cards being shown during the match.

The match between Wigan and St Helens was a nail-biting contest, with Wigan coming out on top 16-14, and the atmosphere was electric, with the rivalry between the two teams reigniting.

The tension was palpable from the opening exchanges, with every tackle being cheered like it was a try, and the two sets of players coming together in scuffles throughout the match.

Wigan head coach Matt Peet’s comments in the wake of the Challenge Cup semi-final had removed the veil of camaraderie between the two teams, and the animosity was very much restored.

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The rivalry between the two teams was on full display, and it showed why an old derby grudge match always delivers.

England watch is underway as the season progresses, with more attention focused on the players who will be in contention for a place in the England team.

Jake Connor, who missed out on playing in the Ashes, got his chance to shine when Leeds played Bradford, and Rhinos captain Ash Handley stood out with a strong performance in attack.

Another centre who made an impact was Umyla Hanley, who scored a try for Leigh in their statement win over Warrington, and Zach Eckersley came through as a leader for Wigan, scoring a try and returning the ball with gusto throughout the match.

Caleb Hamlin-Uele also stood out for Wakefield Trinity, scoring a double and making an immediate impact, and if he keeps up his form, he will move closer to being a certainty for a place in the England team.

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Leigh Leopards put the top six on notice with their win over Warrington Wolves.

Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium is not unaccustomed to hosting rugby league matches, having hosted the second Ashes Test between England and Australia in the autumn, but Magic Weekend took things up a notch, with a packed fan zone, loud noise, and a party atmosphere.

The attendance was the highest ever for Magic Weekend, with 82,925 fans across the two days, and it has been announced that Magic will return to Hill Dickinson Stadium next year, on the weekend of May 1 and 2.

The stadium supports rugby league, and the success of Magic Weekend will be a boost to the Super League, which will continue to be broadcast on Sky Sports, with every game shown live, including two matches each round exclusively live.