TOP level rugby league is returning to the North-East for a fourth year in a row.

St James’ Park will once again host the Dacia Magic Weekend in 2018, it has been confirmed.

Mark Foster, general manager of Super League, which organises the event, said: “We had a number of other cities bid to host what is a fantastic event but Newcastle is a great venue for us: the stadium, the welcome we receive from the people of the North-East mean that our fans love to come to Newcastle for the weekend.”

NE1, Newcastle City Council and Newcastle United were all involved the preparing the strong case to host the event on Tyneside.

Football club boss Lee Charnley said: “It’s a fantastic weekend of rugby which has consistently welcomed sell-out crowds and become of the ‘jewels in the crown’ in Newcastle’s annual sporting calendar.”

Last year, audience figures topped over 65,000 with over 90 per cent of supporters attending from outside the region, which boosted the local economy by over £9 million.

Councillor Kim McGuinness said: “Fans come back time and time again to experience our great city and what is has to offer.”