Ahead of Magic Weekend, Matt Newsum sits down with those most closely involved in Super League’s annual jamboree. All twelve clubs participate across the two days of action at St James’ Park Newcastle, and there’s some standout fixtures to whet the appetite. Mark Percival and Sam Powell look ahead to the Saints-Wigan derby; Castleford’s Joe Westerman on why Leeds is their true derby; Kallum Watkins and Ashton Golding preview the ‘Ian Watson derby’ as Salford take on Huddersfield; George Williams discusses Warrington’s current predicament as the Wolves face a tough battle against Catalans; and Chris Satae of Hull FC and Lachlan Coote of Hull KR keep it nice and cordial ahead of the big city derby that rounds off the weekend.

TIMECODES:

02:30 Mark Percival and Sam Powell discuss the Saints v Wigan derby, the Magic Weekend experience and playing at St James’ Park.

09:00 Powell talks about his international aspirations.

10:45 The whole Wigan club trained together recently and the two mention the ‘dangers’ of wheelchair rugby league having tried it out recently.

14:30 A brief quote from Wakefield head coach Willie Poching looking ahead to Wakefield versus Toulouse.

15:50 Matt speaks with experienced Castleford Tigers loose-forward Joe Westerman on their clash with Leeds Rhinos, who he says are their main rivals, not near neighbours Wakefield.

19:10 Westerman talks about his return to Cas and his desire to bring success to his boyhood club.

21:00 Salford Red Devils and England international Kallum Watkins says he’s enjoying his new position and life under head coach Paul Rowley.

26:30 Back in the international fold, Watkins looks ahead to the World Cup and the opening game for England against Samoa in Newcastle.

29:00 His memories of Magic Weekend include scoring on his Super League debut for Leeds against Bradford.

31:15 On the other side of the ‘Ian Watson derby’, Huddersfield’s Ashton Golding says their coach’s honesty is what’s driving their current success.

34:00 Golding has played several different positions already this year and is enjoying the varying challenge each week.

38:15 Ahead of their fixture with Catalans, Warrington’s George Williams discusses their poor form and what they have to do to change things.

41:00 Williams knows the game against the Dragons, which includes some of his former Wigan teammates, is a really tough test.

43:00 Finally, Chris Satae and Lachlan Coote keep it friendly ahead of the Hull derby that rounds off the weekend.

45:45 They agree the derby is somewhat different to those in Australia and liken St James’ Park to Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

50:20 Coote talks about the exit that day of head coach Tony Smith and of Danny McGuire taking over for the remainder of the season.