The Hull FC star on Magic, facing Hull KR, and Super League’s increase to 14 teams.
Professional sport peaks at big events: a chance to shine on the big stage in front of a big crowd. There’s no surprise then that Hull FC star Zak Hardaker is looking forward to Super League’s Magic Weekend.
Played at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium in 2026, the competition will break new ground on Merseyside at one of the best new venues in Europe, arguably the world. Staging one of the three Ashes Tests over the autumn, Everton delivered, and now it gets its chance to deliver again.
For Hardaker, who has won it all in his career and featured on the biggest stage over and over, it’s another chance for rugby league‘s ‘x-factor’ stars to stand up, and in his own case, play at another big rugby league event against a big opponent in Hull KR. It’s that sort of opportunity that keeps the fire burning, with the 19th Magic Weekend confirmed on Tuesday afternoon alongside a tasty line-up of fixtures.
“I’m a fan, my friends are fans, and my family are fans,” Hardaker told Hull Live when asked about the 2026 event. “They all love organising it and the weekends away. Wherever it’s been in the past, Newcastle, Liverpool or whatever, it’s always been a good day out for fans and players.
“I like playing at big football stadiums and big arenas; it brings the best out of players, x-factor players especially, and that’s why we do it, to get bums on seats and make money.
“I’m all for it. I think it’s brilliant. They’re always a highlight and it’s one we’ll be looking forward to again.”
As for facing Rovers, Hull couldn’t have got a tougher tie in this day and age, but it’s one they’ll relish when the time comes. Taking place on Saturday 4 July, it will be one of three meetings between the two Hull clubs next year, with the Black and Whites looking for a first victory since July 2023.
“I understand the rivalry and what it means to the players, the club, and the fans,” Hardaker continued. “We played them three times last season and we didn’t win a game.
“That will be something we look forward to, getting back at them and going again over there to play at a fantastic stadium. I’ve not been yet. I’ve just seen pictures and videos, and it looks amazing.
“I’ve watched a few football games on TV and the atmosphere looks to really echo around the stadium. It’s a lovely city as well, Liverpool, so that will be a nice weekend.”
Magic Weekend will also feature a Wigan-St Helens clash, as well as Super League new boys in York Knights and a former competition heavyweight in Bradford Bulls. Elsewhere, Toulouse Olympique are also promoted, but they will play Catalans Dragons in a Magic game in France.
On the increase to 14 teams, Hardaker, entering his 16th season as a professional, said: “It freshens it up. Toulouse being back – that’s great. I’ve been on a couple of trips out there and it’s a lovely city.
“York will also be raring to go and Bradford and the nostalgia of the club – I played there with Leeds a fair few years ago now. I won’t say much about the pitch; I don’t know what it’s like now other than pictures, but just having them back in the Super League – it’s a great talking point.
“It’s been a long time since they were back in and when they were, they were the champions and top dogs. It’s great for the city of Bradford. It’s good to have Bradford in there.
“I’m just looking forward to getting back out there. We had a much improved year at Hull and we want to go one better now. It’s all exciting – it should be a big year, both for us and as a sport.”