Magic Weekend 2026: Fixtures, venue, times, form as Super League takes over Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium | Rugby League News
As the Super League heads to a brand new location, make sure you get everything you need to know ahead of Magic Weekend 2026…
What is Magic Weekend?
Started in 2007, Magic Weekend sees all 12 Super League clubs descend on one venue to play the entire round over two days.
Taking place on the weekend of July 4 and 5 this year, three games will be played each day, consecutively. The French match between the Catalans Dragons and Toulouse Olympique will also take place on Saturday July 4 but from the Stade Pierre Fabres in Castres from 8pm.
With that action, it is the first time that games can be held in one place.
The format has proved so popular that it has been copied around the world, particularly in Australia where the NRL hosts a magical four-day round at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium each year.
Where is Magic Weekend held?
Magic Weekend also has a new home in 2026 as it heads to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on Liverpool’s waterfront.
It is not the first time the venue has hosted rugby league after being the venue for the second Ashes match between England and Australia in the autumn.
After moving to Leeds’ Elland Road in 2024, Magic returned to Newcastle’s St James’ Park in 2025.
From 2021-2023, Magic Weekend was played in Newcastle, which also hosted Magic Weekend from 2015-2018.
Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Murrayfield in Edinburgh, Etihad Stadium in Manchester and Liverpool’s Anfield are other previous hosts.
What are the properties?
How have the teams performed so far this year?
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Highlights of the Super League match between Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR
To put it simply, Leeds Rhinos are the most in-form side in the Super League so far this season.
They will enter the Magic Weekend after a statement defeating the champions Hull KR and they will want to put themselves at the top of the table by defeating the rivals Bradford Bulls who will be licking their wounds after a heavy defeat St Helens.
The Robins are still safe in the top six for now but will be looking to cement that with a big derby win Hull FCwho will want to bounce back following a crushing loss to Wigan Warriors then they would feel they could walk away victorious.
The Warriors, however, close the Magic Weekend with a classic derby against the Saints. It has been 1-1 in meetings so far this year, with St Helens winning on Good Friday before Wigan responded by beating them in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup on their way to lifting the trophy.
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Bill Leyland fueled a stunning St Helens comeback with two late tries to topple Wigan and seal a stunning Good Friday derby victory
Another team to watch out for Wakefield Trinitywho are in the top six and want to stay there. They continued Castleford Tigers in another big grudge match.
The game is on Warrington Wolves again Leigh Leopards and with real weight, Leopards are just out of the play-off places but could take their biggest step forward with a win over Sam Burgess’ side who are currently in second place.
It’s tight at the top and all results will matter.
Which players should I watch out for? England watched…
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Highlights from the Super League match between Warrington Wolves and Leeds Rhinos
England’s playing squad has just been announced again for the World Cup at the end of the year, and with the eyes of the NRL set on the big Magic Weekend, the stars will be looking to leave their mark at the home of Everton.
Jake Connor has been in red-hot form of late and the Iron Man will be looking to show again why he deserves a place in the flight after missing out on the Ashes series against Australia last autumn and the chance to play at Hill Dickinson Stadium then.
Wigan’s Harry SmithWakefield’s Jake Truemanand Hull KR Mike Lewis they will also want to show their strength in the halves.
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Junior Nsemba faces Challenge That following Wigan’s Super League win over Leeds
Liked by Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Mikołaj Olędzki, Junior Nsemba, again Mike McMeeken they will want to be at the front of the pack as well to show they can be a liability for Brian McDermott’s side.
Then, it’s time for the youth Zack Eckersley again Harry Robertson to show why they can provide the “point of difference” McDermott is looking for with the World Cup after its installation.
How can I watch the magical weekend?
All of the weekend’s games will be shown live on Sky Sports Action throughout the weekend and will be available to stream NOW.
Entries start from 12pm on Saturday July 4 and Sunday July 5.
Super League 2026 – important dates ahead
- Magical Weekend: July 4-July 5
- Rivals Round postponed: July 23-July 26
- To finish playing games: September 19-September 20
- It’s a semi-final: September 26-September 27
- Grand Final: October 3
Sky Sports will show every Super League game live this season, including two games in each round in a live special. The remaining five games will be broadcast on Sky Sports+
