The Good, The Bad and the Ugly of Super League’s Magic Weekend
The Good
It was Magic Weekend time and the annual pilgrimage north to Newcastle. Six games of Super League action, plus Toronto against Toulouse, crammed into two days play at St James’ Park. Tyneside was basked in great sunshine, adding to the lovely party-like atmosphere.
St Helens continued their winning ways with a win over a committed Widnes outfit. Wigan and Warrington played out a great first 40 minutes, before the Warriors blew the Wire off the field in the second half.
Wigan ended Warrington’s 10-game winning run in style, and made it eight victories on the bounce for themselves. Sam Tomkins steered the ship from the back and George Williams’ short-kicking game was clinical. Castleford completely battered an average Leeds side, who seem to be in a bit of bother.
The highlights on the Sunday included crucial wins for both Huddersfield and Catalans meaning they moved off the bottom of the table. Josh Drinkwater’s cheeky behind-the-back flick pass to set up Jodie Broughton was a thing of beauty. The Dragons have now won three of their past four, and the Giants three in a row, meaning the fight to avoid the Middle Eights is getting interesting. Newcastle might a turning point for both clubs. The Sunday closed with a depleted Hull derby, which ended with Hull FC taking the cake.
Overall, a fun-filled two days at one of England’s best stadia. It appears that Magic will be moved to Manchester next year, and that is a real shame. The event has really found a home amongst the friendly Geordies.
The Bad
The fixture list left a lot to be desired, with four games on the Saturday, including Wigan vs Warrington and Castleford vs Leeds. That left a very lop-sided schedule on Sunday, leading to a much-lower attendance on the second day. The late kick-off of the Tigers vs the Rhinos wasn’t great either. Something to ponder for next year.
Leeds’ 2018 campaign has gone from bad to worse. Not only have they lost star man Kallum Watkins for the rest of the season with an ACL injury, but Saturday was their fourth defeat in their past five games. The Rhinos’ chances of defending their title are fast sleeping away.
@JodieABroughton scoring for fun for @DragonsOfficiel right now 🐉🔥
The Ugly
Salford seem to be meandering slowly towards the Middle Eights. Their defence has gone to bits and they offered little in attack in what was a dire game on Sunday. Both teams desperately needed the victory and it was Catalans’ greater intent and discipline that won out. Salford coach Ian Watson voiced his displeasure after the match both at his senior players, and at the club’s ability to recruit. With growing unease amongst the fanbase, it looks a rocky time ahead for the Red Devils.
Wakefield have now won just two of their past 10 matches. It’s a worrying stat, even more so when you consider that Trinity have barely had any injuries to contend with, at least compared to the likes of Hull KR and Widnes. Their hopes of a top six finish are fast fading. If they’re not careful they’ll be dragged into a relegation fight.
