THE MAGIC HAS GONE
Chaos could see axe fall on St James’ Park showpiece
MAGIC WEEKEND faces the axe as Super League clubs discuss ways to complete the season.
The event – which sees an entire weekend’s fixtures move to one venue – has been a part of every Super League season since 2007 and is scheduled to return to St James’ Park on May 23 and 24.
But uncertainty surrounding the stadium’s availability once sport is able to return, and how much time would be available to fulfil other fixtures, means it could be shelved.
Super League chief Robert Elstone (inset) said: “It hasn’t been totally ruled out but we’re preparing for the fact that Magic may well be a casualty of this.
“Without making financial commitments, we’re trying to keep our options open.
“The big quandary is how long is this going to last and it would be unwise not to think about Magic at a later date in Newcastle or in a different format.
“Right now, we haven’t ruled it out and are looking at the possibility it might happen but you might look at the probability of it happening as diminishing all the time though.”
Another potential problem is the availability of Old Trafford for the Grand Final, which is normally played in October.
“There’s work going on in terms of fixture planning and that involves pushing the season back,” said Elstone.
“We need support from Man United and our other partners.
“It’s impossible to know how long this suspension period will last, but we’re looking at a variety of scenarios that means when it does it get lifted, we’re in a good place to start quickly.”
Controversial loop fixtures – extra games to the home and away schedule that provide clubs with additional revenue – are also being discussed, although Elstone says they will be protected “as long as we can”.
The priority, though, has been keeping broadcasters Sky happy. Elstone added: “The Sky contract is quite probably our number one priority from a financial and economic point of view.
“We have a good relationship with Sky. We had a more formal meeting with them on the phone on Monday and we’re just pledging our support to them.
“They know that there are some real material limitations in what we can and can’t do right now.
We’re unable to do anything in terms of meaningful content, and they are a business that are reviewing the implications of this.
“While we do have a close relationship with them, we have to respect that Sky are going to be looking at what this means for them.
“Our intention is to ensure we honour that contract and fulfil our obligations, it’s the most important thing we can do.”
Elstone confirmed clubs have discussed using the Government scheme of paying employees 80 per cent of their salary, although that is only to the maximum of £2,500 a month.
The sport also remains in talks with the Government about additional funding to secure its future.