Newcastle to play Doncaster at Magic Weekend

Drew Darbyshire 15 Jan 2020 10:38 AM

Newcastle Thunder will play Doncaster at the 2020 Magic Weekend, which is held at St James’ Park.

The League 1 clash will act as a curtain-raiser for the six Super League matches, with it kicking-off at 12:30pm on the Saturday.

The Magic Weekend returns to Newcastle for 2020 after it was staged at Anfield in Liverpool last year. It takes place on the weekend of May 23-24 this year.

Newcastle Thunder chairman Mick Hogan said: “Having Dacia Magic Weekend returning to Newcastle is great news in itself for the sport in the north east.

“Major events like this provide a huge boost to the continued community development growth that is happening across the region.

“It is an incredible bonus for Newcastle Thunder to be able to open the weekend by playing at such an amazing venue, and there is a tremendous amount of excitement around the club.

“It is great for us to be able to showcase Newcastle Thunder on such a major national stage when fans of all the Super League clubs will be in the city, and just goes to further heighten the excitement surrounding the 2020 season.”

Doncaster chief executive, Carl Hall, added: “I would like to thank Newcastle Thunder for getting this game on at such a great Rugby League occasion, I’m sure both clubs will do the stage justice and showcase what League 1 can offer.

“I know our players will be looking forward to opening Magic Weekend and playing at St James Park.”

2020 Magic Weekend fixtures

Saturday

Newcastle Thunder v Doncaster (12:30pm)

Castleford Tigers v Catalans Dragons (3pm)

St Helens v Salford Red Devils (5.15pm)

Leeds Rhinos v Hull FC (7.30pm)

Sunday

Huddersfield Giants v Toronto Wolfpack (12.30pm)

Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves (2.45pm)

Wakefield Trinity vs Hull Kingston Rovers (5pm)