Five Minutes With: Magic Weekend Legend Sam Luckley
We chat to local rugby legend Sam Luckley ahead of Magic Weekend
After all the excitement of the build-up, Magic Weekend 2025 is finally upon us, bringing two whole days of top-level rugby league thrills as twelve Super League teams go head-to-head at St. James' Park.
Ahead of the action, we spoke to Sam Luckley – the Geordie lad now part of the Hull Kingston Rovers squad – about how it feels to be playing back in his hometown.
How does it feel to be back in your hometown for Magic Weekend?
It feels amazing. I always like coming home but I think it’s extra special when I can come home and play in the mecca of football, St. James’ Park.
I love coming home and I love coming here. I’ve been lucky enough to play here a couple of times and it just gets better each time.
How are you feeling about playing against your old team, Salford Red Devils?
I hadn’t actually really thought about it until you brought it up! But I’m looking forward to it. Salford are struggling at the moment which is a shame but you can’t write anybody off in this competition. They’ll still perform and they’ve still got great players, so for us it’s business as usual in performing and training that way and that’s what we’ll do as we do every week.
What’s your favourite thing about Magic Weekend?
I think it’s the family element for me. Once I’ve played the game, I like to go sit with my family and watch the rest of the games and chill out. So I get to be a fan as well, which I like as I can switch off and just enjoy Magic Weekend, the atmosphere and Rugby League which is what it’s all about!
What is it about Newcastle that makes it a great place for Magic Weekend?
I think it’s just such a friendly city and all the people are amazing – and I’m not being biased! I think it’s just such a family-friendly city and Magic Weekend shows that – people turn up in fancy dress, there’s stuff for the kids, there’s food and drink.
The stadium is situated in the heart of the city so I think it’s good for fans too – they can come in and out of the ground and watch every game of Super League over a weekend.
How would you describe Magic Weekend to somebody who’s never been before?
Fun and entertaining!
Magic Weekend takes place from Saturday 3rd May to Sunday 4th May 2025. For more information, read our guide to Magic Weekend or visit the official Magic Weekend site to buy tickets.
Main image: Sam Luckley at St. James' Park, Photo by Sophie Corbishley
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