Magic WKND: Can Murphy bring the Magic?

St Helens and Leeds Rhinos will round off Day One of Magic Weekend this year with their showstopping fixture on Saturday night.

It’s the first ever Magic meeting between the two sides – and for Saints speedster Lewis Murphy, it’s going to be just his second time at St. James’ Park, as well as his second time facing the Rhinos since his Betfred Super League debut back in 2022.

Ever since his return from Down Under, Murphy has featured in four Super League matches wearing the Red V and has scored on two occasions.

But his Super League comeback went far from expected, as Murphy endured a minor setback following Saints’ opener against Salford Red Devils – sustaining a minor muscle tear which saw him side-lined until early April.

He’s since played in the last three rounds and it’s clear for all to see that his confidence is growing, showing strong signs that Murphy is ready for the challenge that lies ahead:

“I had that little injury at the start, but even then, the physios were amazing. Life at Saints has been really good and everyone’s been so welcoming. I’m enjoying it so much,” Murphy said.

“Since coming back from Australia, I think Super League has got harder and much more competitive. Then there’s the being a part of a top team like St Helens.

“It’s good that Super League has strong competition.”

Paul Wellens’ men currently occupy fifth place in the table ahead of Magic Weekend with five wins from a possible nine, and are level on ten league points with Saturday’s opponents, Leeds.

And bar their Round 9 result against Warrington Wolves, Saints have only just come up short in their other three defeats.

“I think we're very close to nailing games – it’s just those little things we need to keep working on. Our spine is getting used to each other a lot more now, with Tristan [Sailor], Jack [Welsby] and George [Whitby] and Jonny [Lomax] all coming together.

“We’re competing. We’re very close and have been really close in most of the games we have lost. I think our defence overall has been alright, although we’ve conceded from too many kicks, which is part of my job as well.”

As Rugby League prepares for Magic Weekend’s eagerly awaited return to Newcastle, Murphy is more than ready to make his second appearance there:

“I’m excited for Newcastle. The last time I was there I loved it, even though my old club [Wakefield Trinity] lost. It was a great day out and a really good experience. All my family were there too.

“I’m looking forward to it all over again. Everyone's there and everyone will be cheering on and supporting the game. It’s proper rugby league!”

And upon coming back to England, Murphy admitted it was an event he already had marked down in the calendar – and he’s not the only one!

“When I knew I was returning to Super League all my family and friends straight away were asking who I’m playing at Magic Weekend and stuff like that.

“Even though it’s the two points like any other game, it isn’t like any other game. It’s a big occasion for us and the fans – and you’ve got to make them proud.”

Almost a third of the way into the 2025 season, and we’re finally starting to see glimpses of Murphy’s renowned talent, as he embarks on a mission to make that wing position his own.

It was 'Magnificent Murphy' who scored a stunning try in the Good Friday Derby just a fortnight ago, and the 23-year-old is hungry for more of these fantastic finishes.

Exceptional finish from @Saints1890 winger Lewis Murphy ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/hK4JRaY18O

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 18, 2025

“When I get the opportunity, it’s my job to execute it. I’m kind of known for scoring tries like these now, so every time I get the chance, I need to make sure I’m putting them away.”

Will we see some Murphy Magic this weekend?

“I’d love to create a magic moment,” Murphy said. “I don’t think I could kick a drop goal or anything like that, but if one of my teammates were to do it, then I’d love that!

“I’ll look to go over in the corner!”

As announced during the week and to mark Magic Weekend’s 18th birthday, Betfred will donate £180 for every try celebration across the six fixtures at St. James’ Park, with the money raised going to the MND Association.

And an additional £1,000 will be donated for the best try celebration over the weekend…

“We’ve got to do something for charity, so we’ll all be having a think this week about what we can do," Murphy said.

“I’ve been having a think for if I do go over!”

Looking at Saturday’s opposition, Murphy has only come up against Leeds once before in his career, in what was interestingly, his first ever Super League appearance.

He was named in the Wakefield Trinity line-up back in March 2022 – although Murphy admitted that it isn’t a debut he remembers fondly:

“I owe myself a redemption from that debut. It wasn’t my best game at all and probably my worst game I’ve ever played!

“But I’ve grown a lot since then and really worked on my game and worked on my craft. I try not to look back on it too much, but at the same time it’s made me who I am today!”

We all have to start somewhere, right?

Wakefield were defeated 18-34 that day with Murphy appearing on the wing. He needn’t have worried, however, as 2022 quickly turned into a brilliant breakthrough year, where he scored an impressive 19 tries in 21 appearances in his debut campaign.

This included four belters against his current club, Saints at the Totally Wicked!

It’s nearly always a classic when Saints and Leeds lock horns, and Murphy knows there will be an extra dynamic playing in front of a packed-out crowd.

Both sides come into this game on the back of stinging losses, and this Magic result could reveal a lot about both sides' 2025 Play-Off intentions.

“It’s got that added feel to it, for sure. I think we’ve got to take it game by game, but we all know we need to be winning and picking those points up.

“There’s been quite a few games where we’ve missed out on the two points, and we need to be taking them all.

“It’s really important that we get the win at Magic. The atmosphere is probably always the best for the last game, which is exciting. It’s good to have the Saturday night game."

Murphy is also well aware of the dangers Brad Arthur's outfit are capable of imposing under the Saturday night Magic lights:

“I'm expecting Leeds to fight hard as every team does, but also probably move the ball about quite a bit.

“You’ve got to expect everything from Leeds because they are a very expansive team and they can come up with anything, especially with the players that they’ve got.

“Our Saints fans are massively important – they really give the boys a lift. If we can make that game ours, nobody else’s, and treat it like a home game, then that’ll go a long way in hopefully getting the win.”

Will you be there to watch Lewis Murphy and St Helens in action against Leeds Rhinos?

Betfred Super League's Magic WKND returns to St. James' Park in Newcastle on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May!

With a blockbuster Betfred Super League line-up and plenty happening in and around the stadium, will you be taking full advantage of the Bank Holiday brilliance and a weekend of Rugby League’s epic extravaganza in the Toon?

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.