Sam Luckley | Player's Perspective

The Dacia Magic Weekend returns to Newcastle this weekend after a three-year absence. The weekend presents players a unique chance to play at the iconic St James’ Park, a stadium steeped in history.

It will undoubtedly be a special occasion for all players that are lucky enough to be involved. But, for Salford Red Devils Sam Luckley, it would be a life long dream come true. Luckley was born and raised in North Shields, Newcastle. An avid Newcastle United fan, he grew up watching his boyhood football team at St James’ Park.

He explained: “I used to go watch games there all the time when I was younger. My family are football mad, my mums there every week. Our families always at the football games.

“I used to go when I was younger and watch the likes of Shearer, Nobby Solano, Laurent Robert. That’s what you live for when you’re a young kid in Newcastle – it was great.??

Like most Geordies, he spent the majority of his youth playing football. A latecomer to rugby, he was first introduced to the oval ball whilst playing rugby union. Despite the popularity of football in Newcastle, Luckley persisted with rugby - and it didn't take long before he was hooked. 

“I was a bit of a late bloomer to rugby league. I played football as a kid and didn’t start playing rugby until I was 15 and that was rugby union. It’s tough competing with football. I played it and my mates did – you’re a bit of an outcast if you don’t play it in Newcastle.

“Whilst I was at school there was (rugby league) Northeast regional trials and my science technician gave me a letter to go try it out. I went up and that’s where I met Andy Kelly, who at the time ran the Northeast regional programme and is now Head of Youth at Huddersfield.

“I got through the trials and got onto the regional programme and that’s where my love for rugby league started.??

From there, Luckley took an unconventional route to Super League. After playing for local amateur side Wallsend Eagles, he had brief spells at both Hull KR and Huddersfield Giants academies.

After that, he returned to Newcastle, where he completed his undergraduate and master’s degree at Northumbria University, all whilst playing Rugby League for Newcastle Thunder. After a move to Ottawa fell through due to Covid-19, he was picked up by Salford.

As a Newcastle native, he knows better than most how much rugby league has grown in the Northeast. He is a shining example of the growing talent pool the area is producing. And a lot of that is down to the work done by Newcastle Thunder, who now ply their trade in the Championship.

The club is reaping the rewards from years of hard work. With growing rates of participation at youth level and an impressive academy system, rugby league in Newcastle is as healthy as ever.

“When I was at Thunder, the younger teams were outstanding. We had a few of the under 19’s training with us in the first team who were local, Geordie lads. Geordie kids, playing rugby league and being really good at it as well.

“It’s starting to show now. The player pool was great when I was there, and I know there’s more kids getting involved now – it’s great to see.??

Hosting the Dacia Magic Weekend in Newcastle plays a key role in helping to spread the word about rugby league in the city. As it heads into its fifth year at the legendary St James’ Park, the event has become an integral part of rugby league in the Northeast.

“For a city where rugby league isn’t number one but it’s growing, to put a spectacle on like Magic Weekend is great for the community, fans who are already involved with rugby and love the game and for people who have never heard of it before.

“Some of my mates have never watched rugby league before, but Magic Weekend is something for them do – go out, have a couple of pints at the Strawberry over the road and then wonder into the stadium and watch any game they want. It’s a spectacle and a good advert for rugby league.??

And for Luckley, there’s no better city to play host. As well as attending the impressive St James' Park, fans and players get to rub shoulders with Geordies across the city and in Luckley’s eyes, there’s no better people to mingle with.

“The people make the city. Salt of the earth, working-class, nice people. You get a warm reception wherever you go in Newcastle. You can walk into a pub that’s full of Geordies and you’ll make best mates for life with them instantly!

“They’re sport mad. Everyone can appreciate a great game of anything. Rugby league is a great game as it is – it’s fast, intense, physical – and if you get a nail biter of a game, everyone’s going to enjoy it.??

Ahead of what will be his first taste of the Dacia Magic Weekend, Luckley has kept his ear to the ground on what to expect. Red Devils teammate Kevin Brown - a man who played in the first ever Magic Weekend back in 2007 - shared his experience on what to expect.

Luckley explained: “I was speaking to Kev Brown in training, asking him what it’s like and he said it’s next level. All the fans there, the size of the stadium – this is what it’s supposed to feel like – probably what footballers get every week!

“Hopefully I can lace up the boots and get on the pitch. It would be a dream come true.??

That dream will hopefully turn into a reality for Sam on Saturday Afternoon. And, if it does, his family will be there in numbers to cheer him on at a stadium they hold dear to their heart.

“I’ve got a bus load of family coming. I’ll hear my mum before I see her - she’ll be the loudest in the stadium! 

"Fingers crossed I get picked to play, I just know my mum and dad would love to see me out on St James’ Park.??

You can join Sam and the rest of Betfred Super League at the Dacia Magic Weekend in Newcastle. Experience the fun and thrills by purchasing tickets here.