Widnes Vikings captain Kevin Brown is ready to renew his side’s fresh rivalry with Salford Red Devils on Saturday afternoon (2.30pm) in the Magic Weekend opener at St James’ Park, Newcastle.
Brown, who was appointed captain in 2015, believes a duel between the Vikings and the Red Devils has been building up over the last couple of years and should make for an exciting clash.
“It’s going to be really exciting,” he said. “If you look at our previous games at the Magic Weekend against them they’ve been as entertaining as any.
“We’ve got a bit of a rivalry going with Salford at the minute. They’ve beaten us a couple of times, and we’ve beaten them a couple of times.
“When you add on top with the league position with both teams vying for that eighth spot, it’s going to be a fantastic game and one that we all can’t wait to get out for.”
The Vikings defeated Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in Round 15 to leapfrog Hull FC into the coveted eighth spot.
And Brown, who has once again proved to be instrumental for Widnes since his arrival from Huddersfield Giants in 2013, says there’s still room for improvement for his team despite their recent form which has seen them embark on a three-match winning run in all competitions.
“We want to keep improving. We’ve had a few games recently that we haven’t been happy with where we’re lost out by a couple of points such as the Warrington game where they got us at the end.
“To win the game and to keep improving is the main thing and obviously if we can create a bit of a gap between ourselves and whoever’s below us then that’s great as well.
“But we want to win. We’re on a big stage, it’s sort of a Cup final with the build-up in the week.
“I love playing in Magic Weekends. I absolutely love it. It’s one of the best days of the year. I’ve played in Cardiff, Scotland, Manchester and I’ve loved every single one. I think it’s a great concept and one that’s getting bigger and bigger every year.”
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
