Wakefield Trinity Wildcats prop Daniel Smith will be aiming to avenge his side’s defeat by his hometown club Castleford Tigers in last year’s Magic Weekend when the two teams lock horns at St James’ Park in Newcastle on Sunday (5.30pm).
The Wildcats were on the end of the 50-12 loss in Manchester last season, and Smith, who is Castleford-born, underlines the desire for a win on Sunday evening.
“It’d be very important for us to get a win, especially with it being a local derby it’s going to be a big game,” he said.
“A win would give us a lot of confidence going into the week after so we just need to get kick-started off with a win this weekend.
“We didn’t turn up last year. It was really disappointing but we’ll be aiming to atone for that defeat we suffered and look to turn Castleford over.”
Smith, who is in his second season with Wakefield after returning to England following a short stint in Australia with South Sydney Rabbitohs, backs the idea of the Magic Weekend.
“It’s a great idea. Taking it to different places can only help Rugby League in different parts of the country. I’m fully behind it,” said Smith.
“It’s a great ground to play at, Newcastle’s. Especially when it’s your hometown club it’ll be good to get one over on them. A lot of my friends support Castleford so they’ll be getting into me if we don’t win. I always try to make sure we beat them.”
Tickets for the Magic Weekend are still available with unreserved seating for the day starting at £25 for adults and £12.50 for concessions. Unreserved weekend tickets are available from £40 for adults and £20 for concessions. Tickets can be purchased by visiting //www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk/ or calling the Rugby League Ticket Hotline on 0844 856 1113.
The 2015 Magic Weekend schedule in full is as follows:
Saturday May 30
2.30pm – Salford Red Devils v Widnes Vikings
4.45pm – Hull FC v Hull KR
7.00pm – Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors
Sunday May 31
1.00pm – Catalans Dragons v Huddersfield Giants
3.15pm – St Helens v Warrington Wolves
5.30pm – Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity Wildcats