This weekend sees the eighth annual edition of the Magic Weekend, and once again it will take place at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium. With records set to tumble and huge crowds expected to flock through the gates to see some fantastic Rugby League, it seems appropriate to give you the lowdown on the event.
Whilst there are all sorts of stats flying about, this is the only place you can get a full look at the records, history and statistics from the Magic Weekend – in our Stats Zone! We’re focusing on every statistic available regarding the Magic Weekend, meaning you can quiz your friends on the way to the game with some trivia, or simply dust up on your own knowledge of the event!
Most appearances at Magic Weekend
Thirteen players have played at every single Magic Weekend prior to this one, featuring in seven hostings of the event since it launched in Cardiff way back in 2007. Those 13 men are:
Andy Lynch (Castleford Tigers): all previous games for Bradford Bulls (2007-2011) & Hull FC (2012-2013)
Eorl Crabtree (Huddersfield Giants)
Rob Burrow (Leeds Rhinos)
Ryan Hall (Leeds Rhinos): Hall made his Leeds debut at the first Magic Weekend in Cardiff – in the Rhinos’ 42-38 win against Bradford Bulls on 6 May, 2007
Kevin Sinfield (Leeds Rhinos): Sinfield is the only player to score points at every Magic Weekend
Willie Manu (St Helens): includes games for Hull FC (2007-2012)
Peter Fox (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats): includes games for Hull Kingston Rovers (2008-2011)
Ryan Atkins (Warrington Wolves): includes games for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats (2007-2009). Atkins has scored a try in all of his Magic Weekend appearances for the Wolves since 2010)
Kevin Brown (Widnes Vikings): includes games for Huddersfield Giants (2007-2012)
Paul Clough (Widnes Vikings): all previous games for St Helens (2007-2013)
Darrell Goulding (Wigan Warriors): includes 2009 loan appearance for Salford City Reds)
Sean O’Loughlin (Wigan Warriors)
Ben Fisher (London Broncos (2013)/Catalan Dragons (2012)/Hull Kingston Rovers (2007-2011)
Out of those 13 men, four will lose their ever-present record this weekend. Ben Fisher has since retired from Rugby League, whilst Sean O’Loughlin, Rob Burrow and Peter Fox are not in their respective squads for the weekend.
Most tries
1 = Ryan Hall (Leeds Rhinos) 7
Paul Wellens (St Helens) 7
3 = Joel Monaghan (Warrington Wolves) 6
Brent Webb (Leeds Rhinos) 6
Michael Witt (London Broncos (1)/Crusaders (5) 6
6 = Vinnie Anderson (Warrington Wolves) 5
Ryan Atkins (Warrington Wolves (4)/Wakefield Trinity Wildcats (1) 5
Damien Blanch (Catalan Dragons (1)/Wakefield Trinity Wildcats (4) 5
Lee Briers (Warrington Wolves) 5
Kirk Dixon (Castleford Tigers) 5
Most goals
1 Kevin Sinfield (Leeds Rhinos) 36
2 Danny Brough (Huddersfield Giants (17)/Wakefield Trinity Wildcats (10) 27
3 = Paul Deacon (Wigan Warriors (1)/Bradford Bulls (16) 17
Pat Richards (Wigan Warriors) 17
5 = Michael Dobson (Hull Kingston Rovers) 15
Danny Tickle (Hull FC) 15
Most points
1 Kevin Sinfield (Leeds Rhinos) 77
2 Danny Brough (Huddersfield Giants (50)/Wakefield Trinity Wildcats (20) 70
3 Pat Richards (Wigan Warriors) 46
4 Kirk Dixon (Castleford Tigers) 40
5 Michael Dobson (Hull Kingston Rovers) 38
Fastest try
1 min, 0 secs Chris Riley (Warrington v St Helens, 2013)
Most tries by a player
5 Joel Monaghan (Warrington v Widnes, 2012)
5 Danny McGuire (Leeds v Bradford, 2012)
Most goals by a player
10 Gareth O’Brien (Warrington v Widnes, 2012)
Most points by a player
27 Sean Long (St Helens v Wigan, 2008): 3 tries, 7 goals, 1 field goal
Dismissals
Four players have been sent off during Magic Weekend games.
Wayne Godwin was the first player to be dismissed (in his Salford debut), after being sent off for punching Clinton Schifcofske in the last minute of the Reds’ 42-12 defeat to the Crusaders in 2011.
St Helens’ Shaun Magennis, along with Wigan duo Gareth Hock and Chris Tuson, were all sent from the field following a 53rd minute brawl during the Warriors’ 42-16 victory over the Saints in 2012.
Don’t forget to check out our exclusive Magic Weekend content, including League Express editor Martyn Sadler’s views on the state of play with Magic Weekend, and our look at the best moments in the history of the event.
Want more Rugby League news and features? Subscribe to the online version of League Express newspaper and Rugby League World magazine. You can also connect with Total Rugby League on the social media platform of your choice.
