Magic Weekend looks set to be officially cancelled this week, but it could still take place in a different guise.
Hopes of the event taking place at St James’ Park on the weekend of May 23/24 are over, with action not set to have resumed by then.
As a result, Super League is preparing to announce the bad news to supporters desperate to return to Newcastle after a one-year hiatus.
While the news will undoubtedly disappoint many supporters, Super League officials are keen to host a weekend event once fans are allowed to return to the terraces.
Super League Chief Executive Robert Elstone is leading the charge for the event to be relocated later in the year and he is keen for the annual event to remain on the calendar in some form.
Should that happen, the event would likely be staged at a current Rugby League ground. League Express understands there is a desire across the sport to host as many events as possible at existing Rugby League stadia in order to ensure the revenue remains within the game.
The proposal has been welcomed by many decision-makers. Other events previously set to be staged elsewhere could be relocated to existing grounds if pre-arranged bookings are cancelled due to the current suspension.
Meanwhile, an announcement on the Summer Bash is also expected following an announcement on the Magic Weekend.
Similarly, there is a desire for Summer Bash to remain on the calendar once play resumes, though it remains to be seen how, when or where that will be. The uncertainty surrounding the length of the lockdown, and particularly on when mass gatherings will be allowed once again, means that plans for both events are currently sketchy.
