Magic Weekend set for Anfield switch while Challenge Cup semis set for Newcastle
Late bid from Liverpool set to see Super League showpiece move while last four in cup ready to head north-east
MAGIC Weekend looks set to move to Liverpool after a late bid to take it from Newcastle.
The top flight was gearing up to hold its annual two-day showpiece, which sees an entire round of fixtures played on the same ground, at St James’ Park.
But it is believed a late, attractive offer is set to take it to the home of Liverpool FC – it was so late, next season’s fixtures had already been drafted with it in the north-east!
And it may also move from its proposed June 1 and 2 date as the stadium holds a Take That concert on June 6.
As a result, the late May bank holiday weekend – May 25 and 26 – is firming up as a likely date.
Newcastle will not be lost to rugby league completely, though, as SunSport understands both Challenge Cup semi-finals in 2019 are set to be held there.
This year saw Catalans beat St Helens and Warrington defeat Leeds in Bolton.
Now it is believed the experiment will be repeated at the 52,000-capacity venue, with both being held on the same day.
Anfield and St James’ Park are not the only football venues set to host rugby league matches next year. It is believed the Catalans v Wigan match at Barcelona’s Nou Camp will happen.
Sources say the Dragons, Super League and the Rugby Football League are working with Barcelona on setting a date.
But May looks favourite, with the bank holiday at the start of the month a possibility as the La Liga giants are scheduled to be away from home on May 5.
