Super League stars step out at Everton ahead of Magic WKND

Betfred Super League stars descended on Everton FC today as preparations for Magic WKND ramped up. 

Players from all 12 English clubs who will be playing at Hill Dickinson Stadium over July 4 and 5 savoured what’s set to come as they got a look around the brilliant venue. 

Some also headed into Liverpool city centre to visit The Cavern Club, The Beatles statue and Albert Dock – famous sights which thousands of fans might also take in when Super League’s big bonanza arrives in a few weeks’ time. 

More than 75,000 tickets have been sold, already making it the biggest Magic in the event’s 20-year history ahead of its first outing at Everton. 

Thursday marks just one month to go and Wigan Warriors loose forward Ollie Partington, fresh from winning the Challenge Cup at Wembley on Saturday, said: “It’s been great to get out there and see the pitch first-hand. 

“I’m looking forward to Magic. It will be incredible to see so many Wigan fans filling out these stands. 

“I’m actually a Liverpool fan! But this is amazing. It’s really impressive.” 

Wigan face fierce rivals St Helens as they round off Magic on the Sunday. 

Saints Aussie playmaker Jackson Hastings is coming at it from a different angle. 

He said: “I'm an Everton fan, and as a Everton supporter, it’ll be a special occasion to play at our new home ground. 

“I’ve played Magic before at St James’ Park and in Liverpool at Anfield - but nothing will top playing here for me.” 

Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls renew their traditional rivalry on the Sunday and Wakefield Trinity kick-off that day with their own derby against Castleford Tigers. 

Wakefield’s England winger Tom Johnstone enthused: “I was here with England for the second Ashes Test against Australia in November. 

“It’s genuinely probably the best atmosphere I’ve ever experienced when playing. 

“It feels like the crowd are really on top of you, it’s that close. 

“I can’t wait to come back here with Wakefield and taste it all at again at Magic.” 

The stadium was a 52,106 sell-out for that Test against the Kangaroos - the first time a non-football game was held at the new world-class stadium - and fans are urged to get their tickets fast if they want to experience the Magic action. 

Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool City Council, hopes more rugby league events could be held there in the future. 

He said: “It’s absolutely fantastic. 

“When we think about how successful the Ashes Test was last year, bringing Magic Weekend – the whole of Super League, with some of the game’s most iconic derbies – to the city, we know it’s going to be huge. 

“I’m very confident it won’t be the last time rugby league is back in our city and in this fantastic new stadium.” 

In the Saturday games, York Knights play their first Magic against Huddersfield Giants, Hull KR and Hull FC face-off in their derby before Warrington Wolves and Leigh Leopards do battle. 

Across the Channel, Catalans Dragons and Toulouse Olympique have confirmed they will hold a special French edition of Magic at Castres’ Stade Pierre-Fabre on the same day.