Magic WKND: United in Football

With Magic Weekend on the horizon, there are two very excited Betfred Super League players who are eagerly awaiting their trip to the iconic Elland Road.

Alfie Edgell and James Harrison are lifelong Leeds United supporters and were both in the stands celebrating when Leeds beat Bristol Rovers on the last day of the 2010 season and were promoted to the Championship.

And more recently, they were sat shrieking at their TVs during 2020 COVID-19 times when their beloved United were promoted to the Premier League after a 16-year hiatus.

But come Saturday, they will switch their focus from football to rugby (despite the similar playing colours), and will be on opposite teams, as Warrington Wolves and Leeds Rhinos meet at Magic Weekend for the first time in a colossal Super League clash...

Just turned 20 years of age, Alfie Edgell has made ten appearances for Leeds Rhinos’ first team in 2024. He’s taken the opportunity in his stride, and finally got over for his first try of the year in Round 20 against Salford Red Devils.

Back-to-back tries for the Rhinos ?

Paul Momirovski ? Alfie Edgell.#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/WuIEA6LFt1

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 3, 2024

“It’s been my first proper season in and around the first team and I’ve enjoyed every second, whether I’ve been playing, or 18th man and in there every week,” Edgell said.

“I’ve ridden the highs and the lows of the team and I’ve enjoyed every second. I’m hoping it continues.

“Super League has been very unpredictable this year, there’s been quite a few shock results and a few ups and downs from all the teams involved.

“But now we’re coming towards the end of the season where it really matters.”

On the news that Magic Weekend was moving to Elland Road for 2024, Edgell couldn’t contain his excitement at the thought:

“If you’d have asked me at the start of the season if I could play one game – I’d have chosen that Magic one with it being at Elland Road.

“I was in the 21-man squad last year for Magic and that was my first ever time being included in the squad. I got to travel to Newcastle, but I think it will be more special this time being able to go to and play at Elland Road.”

The Leeds-born youngster is Leeds through and through and has been a United football fan all his life:

“I’ve supported Leeds United for as long as I can remember really.

“I’ve always gone to the games. I remember my first ever game was when we got promoted to the Championship in 2010 - so in my lifetime I’ve seen them go from League One to the Premier League!

“I’ve had a season ticket for around six or seven years now, and I don’t plan on giving it up any time soon!”

Some of Edgell’s favourite memories watching United, as well as that famous 2010 match, include:

“My favourite memory was the Premier League Promotion in 2020. It was behind closed doors because of COVID-19, but even just watching it on the telly - I never thought I’d get to see Leeds United in the Premier League and that was a dream come true as a fan.

“At Elland Road, I was there to see Leeds beat Chelsea 3-0 in 2022. That was the first time I’d ever seen us beat a big team in the Premier League.”

For Rugby League fans heading to Elland Road at the weekend, Edgell explained:

“One of the best things about Elland Road is the authenticity of the ground. It’s quite old fashioned, but I think this creates an unreal atmosphere that I don’t think many stadiums in England can.

“Having loads of fans all the way around the stadium will make the day really special for us players and fans can equally enjoy it.”

Where Magic Weekend is concerned, Edgell remembers travelling to watch Leeds Rhinos play at multiple venues while he was growing up:

“I went to a few Magics to watch Leeds and I remember them playing Wigan Warriors in Manchester and Newcastle.

“In 2012, I watched us play Bradford and Danny McGuire scored five tries.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming Magic Weekend, Edgell’s Rhinos will continue their mission of a Play-Off place, and their rising star is more than ready for the occasion:

“Warrington are going pretty well this year, and we know we’ll have to be good to beat them.

“We took a lot of positives from that our last game against Warrington despite the defeat, and we’ve come on a lot since then.

“If we put our recent confidence into Saturday’s game, then I think we’ll go alright.”

Likewise, Warrington’s James Harrison was ecstatic when he heard that Magic was going to be at Elland Road this year:

“I was buzzing! I never thought I’d get the chance to play at Elland Road and it’s something I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid growing up. I can’t wait for next weekend.

“It’s going to be a special feeling playing there. I’ve had a season ticket at United since 2006, so that’s 18 years I’ve been watching them!

“I can’t wait and hopefully I’ll go over for a try too which would be extra special!”

And as part of the Magic Weekend build up, Harrison had one of the best days spending time with Leeds United players Joe Gelhardt, Patrick Bamford and Karl Darlow - taking part in a series of skill challenges.

Round 1: The Crossbar Challenge! ??@mik_oledzki and @jamesharrison96 take on @LUFC players @joe_gelhardt @Patrick_Bamford and @KarlDarlow ahead of #MagicWKND! ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/UKBTQFLjCa

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 8, 2024

Then, true fans alike, most of Harrison’s United memories match with Alfie Edgell’s:

“In terms of Elland Road, I was there the same year when we got promoted from League One on the last day of the season against Bristol Rovers. That was an unbelievable atmosphere.

“Sadly, we missed out on being there for the promotion to the Premier League in 2020 because of COVID and fans having to stay at home.

“I was also at Old Trafford when Leeds beat Man United in the FA Cup in 2010. Leeds were in League One back then and United were Champions. Jermaine Beckford scored the winning goal, and it was unbelievable.”

A regular Elland Road attendee, Harrison knows that this year's new Magic venue will not disappoint:

“The atmosphere is really good, and it’ll be great at the weekend. The seats are really close to the pitch which makes for an even better atmosphere as well.

“There’s some great games on across the weekend. We [Warrington] are the main event on the Saturday night against Leeds Rhinos, so it’ll be packed out full of fans, I’m sure.

“It’s always special playing at Magic Weekend and it’s one of the fixtures you look out for when the fixtures come out at the start of the season. I think it’s just the whole event of every club being there and all the fans gathering in one place.

“I’d always wanted to play at Magic, so to be able to say I’ve played at St James Park [Newcastle] and Elland Road is very special.”

With the chance for Warrington to finish in the all-important top two, the two points at Magic are vital for Harrison's side on Saturday, as he previews their evening game:

“We played Leeds when Brad Arthur first came in and we’re expecting a much different team now. They’re a dangerous side but we’re going well and we want to finish our season strong.

“I think six weeks ago, everyone thought Wigan were running away with it, but a couple of injuries and defeats have brought other teams back into the mix. Hull KR are flying, we’re happy with how we’re building and Catalans, Saints, Salford aren’t too far behind either.

“It’s a very open run-in into the Play-Offs.”

Will you be there to watch Warrington Wolves v Leeds Rhinos on Saturday night?

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.