Wolfpack graduate to Magic Weekend

TORONTO WOLFPACK will take on Toulouse in a historic opening match of the 2018 Magic Weekend, Super League have announced.

The big-spending Canadian club, who eased to the Kingstone Press League One title in their first season to earn promotion to the second tier, will face French rivals Toulouse in the first Championship match to take place at the event, the 12.45pm curtainraiser on Saturday, May 19, at St James’ Park.

Super League general manager Mark Foster said: “The Dacia Magic Weekend is a brilliant event, which brings sports fans together to watch exciting, high impact rugby league and it’s fantastic that we have added an extra game to the fixture list.

“I am sure this additional game will add to what is an already brilliant experience. Toronto Wolfpack and Toulouse Olympique are sure to put on a great display in front of an enthusiastic crowd at St James’ Park.”

The two-day event, which will be held in Newcastle for the fourth successive season, will see a re-match of October’s Grand Final as Castleford look to avenge their Old Trafford defeat to Leeds in the final match of the first day.

The Hull derby will round off Sunday’s action, where newly promoted Hull KR lock horns with Challenge Cup winners Hull FC. Wigan face Warrington, Widnes meet St Helens, Salford play Catalans Dragons and Wakefield Trinity battle with Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Giants.