RFL to discuss future of Magic Weekend as crowds drop at Murrayfield

DISCUSSIONS will soon begin to see what the future holds for the Engage Super League's Magic Weekend.

The 2010 event culminated last night as the final of seven fixtures saw St Helens thrash Hull KR 54-0 with Castleford having defeated Catalans and Huddersfield beating Wigan earlier in the afternoon.

More than 52,000 people attended over the two days at Murrayfield – a significant drop on last year's crowd levels – and there has been increased talk of the need to freshen up the concept in 12 months' time with a possible move elsewhere.

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The RFL did likewise after two years at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, taking the event north of the border for the first time last season.

However, the governing body has a third year option at the home of the Scottish RFU and they may decide to take that up in 2011 to build on the obvious good relations which have already been established.

RFL chief executive Nigel Wood said: "Although the event has worked well, we will now do what we always do and review everything that happened over the weekend with all the people who were involved.

"There are a lot of factors to consider in deciding what happens next.

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"The RFL will provide all the feedback required for the clubs to make an informed decision on the future of The Magic Weekend."

Yorkshire's seven representatives generally struggled over the weekend with only Leeds Rhinos – against Wakefield on Saturday evening – and Castleford securing victories.

However, in the wider picture, the two days of action was generally seen as another positive exercise for the sport with Wood hailing it as another example of the game's family values. Supporters once more created a party atmosphere both inside and outside the stadium and in Edinburgh city centre.

Wood added: "It's been terrific.

"All the feedback we have had points to The Magic Weekend being a huge success with everyone who attended.

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"The quality of the rugby league was superb, as was the quality and variety of entertainment in and around the stadium.

"The Magic Weekend is four years old now and I think it's got better year on year," explained Wood.

"What we have seen this weekend is another example of the rugby league family coming together to enjoy the big occasion."

The attendance was 52,043 – 26,642 on Saturday, when there were four matches played, and 25,401 for the three games yesterday.

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That represents an almost nine per cent decline on the 2009 event but Wood refused to be downbeat.

"Given the difficult economic climate it's understandable that there was a slight dip in attendance but to attract over 50,000 people to a unique event like this is a credit to everyone involved," continued the RFL chief executive.

"All the people who came to Edinburgh arrived knowing they were in for a treat and that's what The Magic Weekend has delivered."