Betfred Wheelchair Super League lands in Newcastle for Magic Weekend 

The Betfred Wheelchair Super League will be heading to the North East next month (June 10) when the competition lands in Newcastle for its own Magic Weekend.

Magic and Central Inclusion Rounds are new features of Wheelchair, Physical Disability and Learning Disability Rugby League in 2023, building on the success of last autumn’s World Cup.

The first ‘Magic’ Wheelchair Super League round of the season was held at the University of Birmingham in April where the six-hour extravaganza delighted fans and this time round it will be Northumbria University – consistently one of the strongest Student Rugby League teams in the running game - who are the hosts.

All six Super League teams will gather in Newcastle for the second full round of the season – with reigning champions Halifax Panthers kicking the day off against Hull FC. The Panthers will be aiming to bounce back from a heavy defeat at London Roosters last weekend but it won’t be easy against a Hull team whose development has been one of the features of the season, leading to Tristan Norfolk’s inclusion in the England squad and recently boosted by the signing of former Wigan and England veteran Martin Norris. 

That opening clash is followed by a meeting of current league leaders, Leeds Rhinos, and developing side, Warrington Wolves – a daunting task for the Wolves as the Rhinos have four wins out of four with their new coach James Simpson setting his sights on the domestic treble. 

The day will conclude with an intriguing clash between Wigan Warriors and London Roosters – again, two teams who have impressed this season.

Martin Coyd OBE, the General Manager of England Wheelchair Rugby League, says:

“Our first ‘Magic’ round in Birmingham was a resounding success and I cannot wait to see what Newcastle has to offer.

“There will be a real buzz in the city after the Betfred Super League Magic Weekend at St James’ Park and I would really encourage people to continue those celebrations and support our Wheelchair teams on when we head to Northumbria University. Once again this is a free event, and anyone is welcome.

“We have seen a surge in interest since England’s Wheelchair World Cup win and the event in Newcastle will give local fans the chance to meet some of those stars and to also get a glimpse of the World Cup trophy – it’s not to be missed.”

Magic and Central Inclusion rounds are a new addition to the Betfred Wheelchair Super League calendar and will bring teams together in the same city to celebrate the diversity of the game. The final two ‘Magic’ rounds will be held in Manchester and London later this year. 

This weekend there is a big Wheelchair RL event closer to home, as Wigan Warriors host Leeds Rhinos in a double header on Saturday afternoon at the Robin Park Arena – with the clubs’ development teams clashing at 1245pm before the Super League fixture kicks off at 3pm.

A full list of Betfred Wheelchair Super League fixtures can be found here.

Betfred Wheelchair Super League Magic Weekend – Newcastle

• Hull FC v Halifax Panthers 12:00
• Leeds Rhinos v Warrington Wolves 14:00
• Wigan Warriors v London Roosters 16:00