“It would be a shame to lose our festival,” says Super League coach
PHOTO: Richard Sellers/PA Wire/PA Images.
Hull boss Tony Smith says it would be a shame to lose ‘Super League’s festival’ in Magic Weekend with the showcase event’s future still undecided.
Newcastle United’s St James’ Park hosted its seventh Magic Weekend, with wins for Salford, Catalans, Castleford on the Saturday and Leigh, St Helens and Hull on Sunday.
The Black & Whites claimed an impressive 30-18 victory over Daryl Powell’s Warrington, which marked Hull’s fourth win in their last five Super League fixtures.
It had been feared that this year’s six-game event could be its last as part of changes instigated by global sports media giants IMG upon its 12-year partnership with the sport.
Managing director of RFL commercial Rhodri Jones has confirmed that Magic Weekend’s future is set to be determined by the end of this month, and Hull boss Smith insisted it would be a great loss to the sport if plans to remove the event go ahead, with IMG set to look into the international game.
Tony Smith keen to see Magic Weekend remain
Smith said following his side’s victory: “It’s festival season with music and this is our festival up here.
“I think it’s fantastic and a great atmosphere once again with great support.
“I keep hearing we might lose it or might not, but it would be a shame to lose our festival I reckon.
“It’s a celebration with everybody coming together. I know Wembley does it, but you only get two teams, and those supporters from every team goes along to Wembley [Challenge Cup final].
“But it’s rare you get everybody together in the one spot. I love it.
“Whether we would have won or lost here today, I love the atmosphere and I love coming to places like this.
“It’s a great opportunity for young players to taste the big atmosphere. It gets them ready for if they ever have big games.
“I think it’s all positive.”
READ NEXT: The fundamental problem with Magic Weekend and what it needs to do to be a success
FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app