Warrington CEO Cautious on Nines Replacing Magic Weekend

Warrington Wolves chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick has expressed doubts over proposals for a Nines festival to replace Super League’s Magic Weekend, suggesting the competition should instead focus on enhancing the 13-a-side game.

With the league expanding to 14 teams in 2026 and loop fixtures set to be scrapped, Magic Weekend’s future is under review. The annual event, which features an extra round of fixtures at a single stadium, may no longer fit the new format.

One early alternative being discussed is a Nines series, potentially including teams from outside Super League. However, Fitzpatrick is not convinced this is the right direction.

“This is my own opinion, but I am not totally convinced on Nines,” he told Love Rugby League. “Let’s put our energy into the 13-a-side game, that’s my take.”

While he acknowledged Magic may need to go due to structural changes, Fitzpatrick believes the “festival feel” of the event is worth preserving.

“I’m a fan of Magic but I understand going from increasing to 14 teams and then keeping Magic is a little bit contradictory. I understand we have to lose it,” he said.
“What I like about Magic is not the extra game, it’s the festival feel it creates.”

Fitzpatrick floated the idea of using the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup as a possible replacement weekend, incorporating sport, music and fan engagement to maintain the same atmosphere Magic has delivered.

“We need to mix together music and sport and create a festival environment,” he added. “The broadcaster likes [Magic] and it generates great viewing figures, so we should be endeavouring to keep it somehow.”

Fitzpatrick also gave his backing to Nigel Wood, who has returned to rugby league in a senior role, though suggested his current position may be temporary.

“I’ve been in quite a lot of discussions with Nigel and the review panel almost on a weekly basis at this stage. I’ve been impressed with what he’s had to say,” Fitzpatrick said.
“He’s got the game at his heart. I don’t think the intention is for him to have executive control for long. He’s going to lift up the drain covers, have a look at what’s happening, then move into maybe a non-executive role.”