SAM Luckley hopes to go away extra Geordies in awe by starring on dwelling turf as Tremendous League heads to the Toon.
And he believes the time is prime to maintain Magic Weekend in Newcastle after the soccer membership’s success, regardless of being earmarked for the axe by strategic companions IMG.
3
In the event that they get their method, this would be the last time all six league matches are performed on the identical pitch in an space away from the heartlands.
That’s regardless of it being set to draw a mixed attendance within the area of 65,000, regardless of extra youngsters than ever within the north east enjoying the sport and regardless of its host metropolis being buoyant forward of a return to the Champions League.
All that leaves Hull KR ace Luckley, who hails from North Shields, satisfied it ought to keep.
He stated: “Dropping Magic can be disappointing. Personally, I’d be gutted as properly.
“I’m to see what could change it as I don’t assume there’s something like this occasion. It’s an incredible idea – they’re even doing it within the NRL.
“We’re often taking concepts from them, so it’s a pleasant change for it to be the opposite method round. Newcastle’s been an incredible host metropolis and as an concept, you need to run with it.
MOST READ IN RUGBY LEAGUE
“And I’ve seen rugby league getting extra of a foothold within the metropolis. What Newcastle Thunder are doing by creating expertise pathways, scholarship, an academy and even a hyperlink up with the college is big.
“There are undoubtedly extra youngsters getting concerned. Thunder is doing nice work by going into the communities and with a bit extra persistence, it’ll take off.
Most learn in Rugby League
“Newcastle could also be a soccer metropolis however there’s extra to it than that. We’re attempting now to get extra strings to our bow and get extra sports activities to a better degree.
“It’ll take a little bit of time however we’re on the way in which and issues like Magic Weekend are nice for rugby league in Newcastle and the sport as a complete.
“You don’t even should be a rugby league fan to look at Magic and benefit from the spectacle. The final spherical noticed intense video games with nailbiting finishes – hopefully we’ll get extra this weekend.”
3
Prop Luckley isn’t any stranger to feeling the highs at St James’ Park, not least due to his beloved Newcastle United’s success this season.
Final 12 months, he scored a strive on the Gallowgate Finish and replicated Alan Shearer’s iconic celebration.
This time he has one other merchandise on his agenda, observe within the footsteps of Eddie Howe’s males towards former membership Salford – and as they open the occasion, anticipate to see him hanging round.
The 27-year-old added: “All my family and friends can be there and we’re the primary sport on, so hopefully we are able to begin the weekend off proper after which I can be a part of them afterwards and chill with them.
3
“Final 12 months was among the finest moments of my life however I’ve by no means received at St James’ Park – having pushed Wigan and Warrington shut, we will be assured and so they’ll be flying.
“And I’d commerce my strive for a great win there and the bottom’s seen a good bit of profitable, I’m buzzing that Champions League soccer is coming.
“That has put a spring in everybody’s step, everybody’s a bit happier. Newcastle being profitable boosts town and different sports activities in it.
“And as soon as rugby league takes off, we’ll be flying.”
MAGIC WEEKEND SCHEDULE – ALL GAMES LIVE ON SKY SPORTS ARENA
TODAY: 1.30pm – Salford v Hull KR; 3.45pm – Wigan v Catalans; 6pm – Leeds v Castleford
TOMORROW: Midday – Wakefield v Leigh; 2.15pm – St Helens v Huddersfield; 4.30pm – Hull v Warrington
