There was shock, and a fair helping on consternation, as Elland Road in Leeds was today announced as the venue for the Magic Weekend in 2024. While there was confirmation over a month ago that the jamboree would be going ahead again after it was initially suggested that it would be dropped from the calendar in the IMG shake-up, it was widely expected to return to Newcastle and St James' Park after the success it had in hosting the weekend earlier in 2023.

Six Super League games will take place over the weekend of the 17th and 18th August with a stadium steeped in rugby league history hosting all the matches staggered over the Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

While the exact order of events has not yet been announced it is expected that the game between the Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves will be the final game on the Saturday evening, while the Champions Wigan Warriors against former champions St Helens is likely to end proceedings on the Sunday evening.

The matches for the weekend are as follows:

Catalans Dragons vs Hull KR

Leigh Leopards vs Salford Red Devils

Warrington Wolves vs Leeds Rhinos 

Huddersfield Giants vs Castleford Tigers

Hull FC vs London Broncos

Wigan Warriors vs St Helens

More details will be announced on Thursday when the full fixtures for 2024 are released.