Magic WKND: Magic Makinson

It’s going to be a ninth Magic Weekend for St Helens’ Tommy Makinson, a player who arguably epitomises Rugby League’s annual event.

Whether it’s his memorable Magic full-lengther against Hull FC in 2017, or a perfect record-breaking points performance in 2023, Makinson and Magic go hand in hand.

And the Saints star himself admitted that Magic Weekend is one of the events he always looks forward to each year:

“It’s always a game I look forward to when the fixtures are released,” said Makinson. “For me personally, I love playing at such a great occasion in front of so many fans.

“It’s also the one which everyone’s family looks forward to – your whole family, your parents, your wife, your kids. It’s one that I definitely look forward to, anyway.”

Makinson’s first Magic Weekend appearance came in 2013 as a 21-year-old youngster. Since then, he’s featured in eight Magics at venues in Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle, and scored six tries.

But for Makinson, his most memorable Magic fixture was the most recent one in 2023, where St Helens beat Hull FC 48-6 at St James’ Park in emphatic fashion.

It was a sensational performance from Saints, but this game also saw their England speedster break the record for the most points scored by an individual player at a Magic Weekend.

Makinson contributed a mammoth 28 points to Saints’ Magic victory last year, crossing for four tries and adding six conversions.

.@TommyMak21 with a new #MagicWeekend individual points record ?‍?@Saints1890 Sean Long held the previous record with 27 points ? pic.twitter.com/NfBuQruJiG

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) June 5, 2023

“I’d probably go with the Huddersfield one last year as my most memorable Magic, just because of the points record I achieved.

“I’ve had some great performances at Magic both on a personal level and as a team, but I think that Huddersfield game, we all put in a real good performance, and I managed to get the record points.

“It’s great to have the record. Players always say they don’t look at personal records, but they are nice to have,” Makinson admitted.

“Obviously you want the team to first and foremost win as a collective, but if you can get a couple of personal ones along the way, then it’s always nice.

“It’s what you play the game for – we play to win things whether it’s personally or as a team. To get that was fantastic, and it’s something I’ll definitely look back on when I finish playing.

“Hopefully it won’t be broken, unless it’s by myself, but I don’t see that happening this year!” he laughed.

Where Magic moments are concerned, Makinson also has plenty to pick from, but nothing could possibly beat his length of the field effort back in 2017, where Makinson etched himself in Magic history.

“My most memorable Magic moment is that try against Hull FC. If only you could snip up that moment and box it.

“Any time you score a full length(er) is nice, but we [Saints] were under the plug at that time, we’d just lost our coach, and Justin Holbrook had just come in and was watching on.

“You can mark that moment as a bit of a turning point for Saints, as from then on, we really excelled and played well. So that’s my favourite moment, definitely."

Going the distance at #MagicWKND ?@TommyMak21 scored this full length try back in 2017 as @Saints1890 defeated Hull FC ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/aKMxPvYqRo

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 6, 2024

On his famous try, Makinson remembers it like it was yesterday:

“When I burst through the gap, I always thought I was going to score. I saw a few defenders and managed to get through.

“Towards the 60-metre mark, my legs were absolutely knackered! I remember a prop and someone else chasing me down and I thought hang on a minute, I might get caught here!

“I knew I could make it, but I just remember being so tired. To get that try though, I was buzzing!”

With the 17th Magic Weekend set to take place, one of Makinson's favourite things about the event is playing on a big stage: 

“For me, it’s all about the different stadiums and places it’s been taken to – Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester, Newcastle, Liverpool - and now Leeds this year.

“We’ve played at some great places and that’s one of the things I take from it. You always look out for it on the Rugby League calendar - it’s definitely a special one and it’s a great event.”

As Magic Weekend heads to Elland Road for the first time in its history, Makinson is no stranger to the iconic venue, having played there as recently as 2022 in a Betfred Challenge Cup Semi-Final, and a 2018 England international test match against New Zealand.

“We played Wigan there in the Challenge Cup and I’ve also played there for England. It’s such a big venue and a historic place as well.

“It’s not too far down the road for most fans, so hopefully everyone turns out in numbers, packs it out, and is there to watch a good weekend of Rugby League.

“Magic really is a great spectacle. You pay and get to watch six games of rugby league and Leeds is a rugby city. We’re all in line for a great weekend.”

Looking ahead to Saints’ mouthwatering Magic Weekend clash with Wigan on Saturday, it’s only the second time the sides have clashed at Magic since 2012.

And it could be another memorable Magic for Makinson to add to his long list, as the 32-year-old is gearing up to make his 300th St Helens and Super League appearance. Rather fitting that it’s going to take place at a Magic Weekend, right?

As St Helens’ race to the Play-Offs reaches its crescendo with just six regular rounds to go, Makinson is well aware of the magnitude of the upcoming Magic match against their fierce rivals: 

“It’s massive where our season is at the minute. We’re playing Wigan, the best team in the competition, and they’re getting a few bodies back now.

“We need those Saints fans getting us over the line. It’s a key point in our season – we want to go on and achieve special things this year. Hopefully we can get a good win against Wigan on Saturday.

“For any Saints fans travelling, be loud and proud.”

Our final question to Makinson was…does the feeling of a Magic Weekend ever get old, having played in so many?

“It’s exciting more than anything – Magic has always had that little bit of an elevated occasion. It’s a big event and this year more than any – we’re playing our local rivals, so it’s going to be extra special.

“The feeling of a Magic Weekend doesn’t ever get old - maybe I’m getting old, but the feeling doesn’t!”

Will you be there to watch Tommy Makinson and St Helens in action against Wigan Warriors?

Betfred Super League heads to Elland Road on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 August for this year's Magic WKND!

Be a part of it and purchase your tickets online now!

Information regarding kick-off times can be found here, with ALL six games across the weekend broadcasted LIVE on Sky Sports.