RFL change mind and opt for Smith in place of Ganson

The match officials coach created a storm when, in his role as video referee, he incorrectly awarded a late match-winning try to Hull FC in their Magic Weekend derby against Hull KR last Saturday.

Despite apologising for his error, Ganson was subsequently dropped from fulfilling the role the following evening when Leeds Rhinos played Wigan Warriors in the final match of the Super League jamboree at Manchester.

The Rugby Football League stated on their website on Tuesday that the 43-year-old would return to be video referee for Monday night’s televised game between Huddersfield Giants and St Helens.

However, the governing body yesterday issued a statement amending that appointment and announcing that Ian Smith will once more replace Ganson for the Super League fixture.

Meanwhile, the date for next year’s Magic Weekend, which will take place at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium for a second successive season, was also revealed by the RFL yesterday.

All 14 Super League clubs will descend on it over Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18 2014.

Although that is not a Bank Holiday weekend, the RFL hope bringing it forward slightly in the calendar will not have an adverse effect on the event’s profile or attendance, which was more than 60,000 last week.

It will be the second year of a two-year agreement with the RFL to stage the event, with previous hosts Cardiff and Edinburgh among others then likely to join Manchester in challenging for the right to host it from 2015.

The 2014 Magic fixtures will be confirmed later this year.

“Magic Weekend 2013 was a great success, showcasing the extraordinary sport of rugby league to a wide audience, both at the games and on television,” said RFL chief executive Nigel Wood.

“Once again the fans created a fantastic atmosphere, both inside and outside the stadium in the Fanzone, and I believe the whole sport can be rightly proud of the Magic Weekend.

“I am delighted that we are able to confirm the dates early for fans for 2014 and look forward to another superb festival of rugby league at the Etihad next May.”

Cllr Rosa Battle, Manchester City Council executive member for culture and leisure, added: “It proved to be a real treat for rugby league fans and brought the country’s most talented players to Manchester.

“2014 will see the Magic Weekend return to our city and will once again demonstrate that Manchester is a world-class sporting destination with state of the art facilities to match.”

Manchester City operations director Steve Sayer says it was a “privilege” to host such a great event and they are looking forward to doing so once more in 12 months.