Barrie McDermott’s Magic Weekend preview: Super League party returns to Newcastle with every game live on Sky Sports

Barrie McDermott takes a look at what is set to be another party weekend as Super League’s Magic Weekend returns to Newcastle…

After a pulsating round of Super League action last week, excitement is already building for one of the best weekends in the rugby league calendar – Magic Weekend 2025 – and once again, it’s heading back to the iconic St James’ Park.

Newcastle will throw open its arms to rugby league fans from every corner of the country (and beyond!), creating that brilliant carnival atmosphere only Magic can deliver.

Saturday May 3 and Sunday May 4 promises to be two days of full-throttle action, passion and memories.

A city that lives and breathes rugby league

If you’ve been before, you know: Newcastle lives and breathes it for the weekend.

From the fan zone outside St James’ to the buzzing streets around the city, fans flood in from every club. Everywhere you look you will see fans with scarves on, songs being sung, and flags flying.

It is not just about the games, it is about the people, the laughter, the drama, the community. We always say this is a community game.

Magic Weekend isn’t just a fixture list, it’s an experience.

2025 is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet with the Super League table looking like it could end up closer than ever. Bring your colours, bring your voice, bring your passion, because Magic is nearly here.

Barrie’s top Magic Weekend moments:

1) Favourite moment ever: Leeds’ win over Bradford in Cardiff

This has to be my favourite moment ever at a Magic Weekend all the way back in 2007 at the inaugural showpiece event in Cardiff.

It was just brilliant because as an ex-Leeds player, to see Leeds beat Bradford in any circumstance is special.

It was a mess up to awarding the penalty, then a mess again once the penalty had been awarded to not check onside or offside from the kick that saw Jordan Tansey race onto Kevin Sinfield’s penalty conversion attempt and score the try that sealed a dramatic win.

Despite the clear error, Tansey scored one of the most memorable tries we have seen, Sinfield celebrating with one of the worst cartwheels I have ever seen.

He can run marathons, he can run ultra marathons, he can win Grand Finals, but he CANNOT do cartwheels!

2) Jacob Miller drop-goal in 2016

What a brave drop-goal that was with the game in the balance and it proved the difference as Wakefield went onto win 25-24 against Hull FC.

Miller was inside his own half but absolutely nailed it! We couldn’t believe he had the audacity to attempt it.

3) Tommy Makinson’s 2017 try for St Helens

For me, that is THE best try we have seen at a Magic Weekend.

It is a try that is eight years old now so at the time, Tommy Makinson was not quite the legendary force he is now. It is the first time I remember seeing him take on something like that and come out with that result at the other end of it.

Me and Brian Carney were grabbing each other and shaking as he got over the tryline, It was a piece of speed that was the making of the man and a sign to Super League that this kid really can play.

4) Adrian Morley’s last-minute try

What a moment for the big man! I loved the fact that Adrian Morley backed up Mickey Higham, found space, and ran for what must have felt like 300 metres before managing to stagger his way in under the sticks.

But, for me, the best part was the celebrations of his team-mates diving on top of him. ‘Moz’ is a popular bloke and everybody wanted to celebrate with him.

That long-range try in the last minute secured a 44-28 win for the Wolves but according to ‘Moz’, it was the match-winner.

5) David Hodgson’s late try for Hull KR vs Hull FC

What a moment this was for Hull KR back in 2012. Last minute and the match was in the balance with the Robins behind.

With the ball shipped out wide to Hodgson, he did the rest, blasting through the defence and covering nearly 70 metres to dot down the winning score just as the hooter sounded.

That try goes down in folklore for KR because because their record against FC at that point wasn’t the best.

I always like the derbies at Magic. Whenever possible I love a derby match, all that passion, all that competitive edge on the terraces.

6) St Helens vs Wigan brawl in 2012

This is a clip of another day and although at the time cards were dished out it wasn’t as severely punished as it is now.

Tempers flared between St Helens and Wigan and on the 52nd minute three red cards were shown with Gareth Hock, Chris Tuson, and Shaun Magennis given their marching orders.

I like the physical side and I like when passions are at their peak. Of course, I am not condoning violence. However, when it happens I personally sit up in my seat and feel the crowd go up a notch.

Six blockbuster games; one incredible stadium

The line-up? It’s unreal. There’s rivalries, rematches, and big statements waiting to be made:

Saturday: All matches on Sky Sports Action:

Leigh Leopards vs Catalans Dragons (2.30pm, KO 3pm)

Leigh are unbeaten at Magic. Catalans are desperate to stamp their authority. This could set the tone for the whole weekend.

Catalans come in after a big golden-point win over Wakefield and Leigh with a dominant one over struggling Salford, so this is a chance for both to show just why they should be considered contenders.

Hull KR vs Salford Red Devils (5pm, KO 5.15pm)

Two of the league’s entertainers clash. Expect fireworks, offloads, and maybe a bit of chaos.

Of course, Hull KR go into this match as the clear favourites, right at the top of the league and the dominant force at the moment. Salford will show heart and determination though.

St Helens vs Leeds Rhinos (7.15pm, KO 7.30pm)

Saints and Rhinos meeting at Magic – for the first time ever! Two clubs with real history, a lot of pride, and plenty to prove.

St Helens have been massively struggling to put in performances while Leeds are putting in performances but not quite getting the result.

Both sides will want to make their mark so expect two old enemies to put on a show.

Sunday: All matches on Sky Sports Action

Huddersfield Giants vs Hull FC (12.30pm, KO 1pm)

Two sides searching for a spark. Will Huddersfield’s young stars shine, or will Hull FC’s loyal following lift them to something special?

The Giants still do not have a win this season and know they need to change that and fast. Hull, who come into this clash on the back of a heavy loss to Wigan, are confident and know they can battle with the league’s top boys this year.

John Cartwright’s side will feel they can get back to winning ways.

Wigan Warriors vs Warrington Wolves (3pm, 3.15pm KO)

A rematch of last year’s Challenge Cup final. No love lost here. Expect intensity, physicality, and real fireworks.

Wigan absolutely dominated Warrington in Las Vegas in what was a blockbuster clash so the Wolves will be wanting to get their own back.

Sam Burgess’s side are down on troops but as they showed against St Helens, they will not be lacking in heart or spirit.

Castleford Tigers vs Wakefield Trinity (5.15pm. KO 5.30pm)

Wakefield are back and there’s no bigger way to announce it than facing their fiercest rivals. Expect pure passion to close the weekend.

They put on an exceptional battle just a few rounds ago, Wakefield winning by golden point and both sides will know how meaningful a win in this fixture can be for their season.

Round 10 – Magic Weekend

Saturday May 3 – all exclusively live on Sky Sports

Leigh vs Catalans – 3pm
Hull KR vs Salford – 5.15pm
St Helens vs Leeds – 7.30pm

Sunday 4th May – all exclusively live on Sky Sports

Huddersfield vs Hull FC – 1pm
Wigan vs Warrington – 3.15pm
Castleford vs Wakefield – 5.30pm

Sky Sports will again show every game of Super League live this season – including two matches in each round exclusively live, with the remaining four matches each week shown on Sky Sports+ via the red button.

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