Magic Preview: Devil of Many Talents

Atkin's versatility helping Paul Rowley?s side to flourish 

Chris Atkin is playing an invaluable role in Salford Red Devils' bid to make the Betfred Super League play-offs again.

The vastly experienced utility player has featured in a variety of roles for Paul Rowley's side as they look to emulate and improve on their 2022 achievements.

The former Swinton Lions and Hull KR playmaker - who faces his old club at Magic Weekend - has no issue with his varied remit.

"I've been involved every week and playing what I think is an important part in the side," Atkin says. "I've contributed heavily and enjoyed that role of covering a few different positions, it's been interesting.

"At the back end of last season I was playing predominantly in the loose forward role, but Oliver Partington has come in and really taken the team to a new level with his performances.

"Even with the small squad that we have we've got lots of players that miss out who will think they should be in the team. It keeps you on your toes and keeps a high standard in training. We all try and make sure we don't have excuses for not being in the team."

The Red Devils have again impressed in the opening half of the season, now Atkin wants to see them replicate their 2022 run-in.

"We're at the right end of the table, looking up, and we've had some really good results," he says. "We've been disappointed with some performances as well and would have liked a few more wins, but when you look back at last year and compare we've definitely made a better start.

"The second half of the season will always be important going towards the play-offs and we want to replicate that momentum from last year.

"We've got a new team with some players moving on and it's been about all getting up to speed and learning about each other, but I'm confident we can build on what we've done so far."

Magic Weekend pits the Red Devils against another club now competing with the competition's very best on a regular basis - Hull KR, a club the 30-year-old knows all about after three seasons with the Robins.

"They've had some really good results and have been talked about by a lot of people across the sport," Atkins reflects. "But we're trying to focus on ourselves and make sure that we're in that top six and in around the silverware at the end of the season.

"I'm sure Hull KR are the same, and they've got that big following at home that travels well too. Salford fans are the same so it should be a good atmosphere and game at Magic between two very competitive teams.

"It's a massive weekend for the sport and a really good opportunity to get all the fans together and showcase rugby league at an amazing venue."

PLAYER IN FORM - KALLUM WATKINS

The former Leeds Rhinos and Gold Coast Titans star's Indian Summer continues at hometown Salford, with consistently influential performances.

The England international has been part of an excellent Red Devils pack which includes other in-form forwards such as King Vuniyayawa and Tyler Dupree.

Originally a centre who still wears the number three shirt, Watkins is as dangerous as ever out wide and provides genuine strike for Paul Rowley's side on the edges.

ONE TO WATCH - TYLER DUPREE

Like Watkins a graduate of the Leeds Academy - but in contrast one who was allowed to leave Headingley early and has seen his career take a different path.

Dupree had loan spells at Featherstone, York at Batley while at the Rhinos, then continued his progress with first Oldham and briefly Widnes.

Since returning to Super League with the Red Devils last year the front rower has flourished, deservedly earning his first England call-up against France in April.

This article is taken from the Magic Weekend programme, copies of which can be ordered online via Curtis Sports. 

Tickets for Magic Weekend at St James' Park are available to purchase online via superleague.co.uk until Friday 2 June and on match day from the Stadium ticket office.