How did Super League decide Magic Weekend fixtures?

This will be the reaction of many Warrington Wolves fans upon seeing the confirmed Magic Weekend fixtures for 2021 – and it may well be the same for those of a cherry and white persuasion, too.

The 2021 extravaganza – back in Newcastle for the first time since 2018 after last year's planned return fell victim to Covid – will see the two old rivals meet for the fourth Magic Weekend in a row.

> The full 2021 Magic Weekend schedule can be found here

It means Wigan will become The Wire's most common Magic opponent – they are currently tied with St Helens on three.

Warrington, who are one of 10 teams to have appeared at all 12 Magic Weekends, have faced Salford and Huddersfield twice each with Castleford, Hull KR and Widnes all providing the opposition once.

So how have Super League come to a decision that sees Wolves and Wigan face off again?

Chris Hill in action against Wigan at the 2018 Magic Weekend. Picture by Mike Boden

"Dacia Magic Weekend fixtures have been re-formatted from those scheduled for 2020 to include Leigh Centurions," they said.

"All teams will play on the same day (Saturday or Sunday) that they were scheduled to play on for the 2020 event.

"This is in acknowledgment of the fans who have committed to retain their 2020 tickets.

"The formula for deciding fixtures each day is that teams will play the team they finished closest to in the final 2020 league standings.

"For example, on Saturday it is Castleford Tigers (8th) vs Salford Red Devils (9th), St Helens (2nd) v Catalans Dragons (4th) and Leeds Rhinos (5th) v Hull FC (6th)."

Toby King slides over in the 2019 Magic Weekend win over Wigan. Picture by Mike Boden