Rugby League Today: Magic Weekend fever, video referee debate, exclusives

We have got reports, reaction and exclusives for you today.

What’s on site

Liam Kay scored a hat-trick to help put Toronto five points ahead of second-placed Toulouse in the Championship table. Read our report here…

League leaders St Helens were made to work by Widnes as they won the first Super League match of Magic Weekend 38-18 at St James’ Park. Read our report here…

Wigan put in a professional performance to end Warrington’s ten-game winning streak and keep pressure on league leaders St Helens. Read our report here…

Castleford provided a timely reminder of their credentials as they thrashed Leeds 38-10 to round off day one of the 2018 Magic Weekend. Read our report here…

Former Super League referee Ian Smith has spoken out after the recent abuse towards match officials in rugby league, admitting it ‘takes time’ to gain respect from players.

We have done a little feature on if St Helens can keep Ben Barba or not. It makes for interesting reading.

There have been many special edition Magic Weekend shirts over the years, but we have picked out the best six…

Wigan have confirmed the signing of Zak Hardaker on a four-year deal.

England Knights will tour Papua New Guinea and play two Test matches against the Kumuls, PNG Rugby Football League chief executive officer Reatau Rau has revealed.

Former New Zealand Warriors and London Broncos star Karl Temata is set to feature in ‘London’s Big Day Out’ event, with the best London-based Australian and New Zealand players going head-to-head.

Hull KR have revealed that Danny McGuire will be sidelined for up to eight weeks with a blood clot.

Chris Atkin knows better than anyone the injury woes Hull KR are currently battling, but the utility-back is confident ahead of his Magic Weekend debutat St James’ Park.

Hull FC back-rower Dean Hadley has hailed the Magic Weekend conceptand says St James’ Park isn’t the only major football ground he hopes to play this season.

Dewsbury Rams have signed prop Shannon Wakeman on loanfrom Huddersfield Giants for the second time this season.

What’s in the papers

Magic Weekend could move from Newcastle to sustain event’s success, claim The Guardian.

Todd Carney’s hopes of NRL return hit again as Souths rule out move, report The Guardian.

Jake Trueman puts on stirring show for Castleford as Leeds wilt in limelight, report The Guardian.

Jamie Peacock’s latest column for the Mirror is out now. ‘If Magic Weekend is to leave Newcastle next year – why not be bold and take it to New York or Toronto?’

Tigers roar, Wolfpack howl and Sam Tomkins sparkles – 5 talking points from day one of Magic Weekend, report the Mirror.

Rugby League Magic Weekend: Live stream, ticket news, venue and team news, report The Sun.

Shaun Wane said Wigan’s victory against Warrington was their best win of the year, report Wigan Today.

Steve Price said Warrington’s performance against Wigan ‘was not them’, report Warrington Guardian.

St Helens coach Justin Holbrook said the team were a little bit off but he was happy with the winover Widnes, report St Helens Star.

What’s on social

A solid attendance for Day 1 of Magic Weekend…

The attendance for Day 1 of Magic Weekend is 38,881! ?

The atmosphere has been brilliant at St James' Park today. #rugbyleague #magicweekend pic.twitter.com/bisvv1eLWH

— Love Rugby League (@loverugbyleague) May 19, 2018

Luke Briscoe didn’t manage to break the record!

Featherstone's Luke Briscoe was unable to break an all-time British game record for tries in consecutive games as they lost 42-20 to Leigh.

He shares the record with Eric Harris, who scored in 17 consecutive games for Leeds between 1935 and 1936.

What an effort. ? #rugbyleague pic.twitter.com/Zt1hhyiCeK

— Love Rugby League (@loverugbyleague) May 19, 2018

Interesting!

The try that wasn't a try from Liam Kay. ?

Should the video referee be at all games? Or should it be scrapped all together so there is a level playing field in all leagues? ?

Let us know your comments. #rugbyleague #magicweekend pic.twitter.com/97antMSFUZ

— Love Rugby League (@loverugbyleague) May 19, 2018

This takes some doing.

Kevin Brown is the only player to have appeared at all eleven previous Magic events. ?

A veteran of the game. #rugbyleague #magicweekend pic.twitter.com/W9DLzvjBfn

— Love Rugby League (@loverugbyleague) May 19, 2018

What’s on TV/Radio

LIVE NRL: St George Illawarra Dragons v Canberra Raiders – 5am, Sky Sports Arena

LIVE NRL: Cronulla Sharks v Canterbury Bulldogs – 7am, Sky Sports Arena & Main Event

LIVE SL: Salford Red Devils v Catalans Dragons – 12:45pm, Sky Sports Arena

LIVE SL: Wakefield Trinity v Huddersfield Giants – 3pm, Sky Sports Arena & Main Event

LIVE SL: Hull KR v Hull FC – 5:15pm, Sky Sports Arena & Main Event

Salford Red Devils v Catalans Dragons Highlights – 11pm, Sky Sports Arena

Wakefield Trinity v Huddersfield Giants Highlights – 11:15pm, Sky Sports Arena

Hull KR v Hull FC Highlights – 11:30pm, Sky Sports Arena

5 Live Rugby League – 3pm, 5 Live Sports Extra, commentary from Dave Woods and Matt Newsum.

5 Live Rugby The latest ‘Sport at Six’ podcast by BBC Radio Manchester’s Jack Dearden and Trevor Hunt is available to download now.

The latest League Express podcast is available to download now.

The latest Rugby League show on Proper Sport is available to download now.

The latest Whippets and Flat Caps podcast is available to download now, presented by Jon Wilkin and Mark Flanagan.

The latest 5 Live Rugby League podcast is available to download now, presented by Dave Woods.

The latest Rugby League on talkSPORT 2 podcast is available to download now.

The Final Hooter podcast by Love Rugby League’s Dave Parkinson and Adrian Jackson is now available to download.