Magic Weekend as it happened - Saturday

1. FT: Leeds 12-27 Wigan
2. Leeds tries: Cuthbertson, Moon
3. Wigan tries: Sarginson, Williams, Burgess, Bowen 2
4. FT: Hull FC 46-20 Hull KR
5. FT: Salford 16-38 Widnes

Three down, three to go...

Matt Newsum/BBC Sport

So the first day of this season's Magic Weekend is over.

In front of a crowd of more than 40,000 at St. James' Park, there were victories for Widnes, Hull FC and Wigan.

We'll be back tomorrow from 12:30 BST with live text and radio commentaries of the remaining three fixtures in Newcastle. Be sure to join us then.

How things look after the first day of Magic Weekend

BBC

This is how things look after today's matches. Wigan move up to second with victory over Super League leaders Leeds Rhinos.

However, St Helens can edge back into second spot and to within a point of Leeds if they can get the better of Warrington on day two of Magic Weekend on Sunday (15:15 BST).

Wigan Warriors head coach Shaun Wane tells Sky Sports:

"It was outstanding. I put the lads under a bit of pressure this week and they really showed up and defended tough.

"I thought Leeds showed outstanding skills with the ball, they're a fantastic team.

"Last week was a blip, I hope, and that performance goes a little bit to getting rid of that game.

"Matty Bowen is an outstanding individual and an even better man - the skill he showed today was unbelievable."

Wigan Warriors stand-off George Williams, who was named man-of-the-match, tells Sky Sports: "That was class. The boys dug deep.

"We had a real soul-searching chat this and week after Catalans and I think you've seen the real Wigan there."

On his try: "I was a bit shocked when I went for it, it was always nice to get over and beat Zak Hardaker to get to the corner."

Full time

After back-to-back losses, Wigan make it three wins from three against Leeds in Magic Weekend fixtures.

They head up to second in Super League, as they prevent the league leaders from scoring in the second 40 minutes with some brilliant defending.

DROP-GOAL

With both teams tiring, Matty Smith just makes sure of the win. From slightly right of centre around 25 metres out, the England scrum-half slots the one-pointer for Wigan.

TRY

And that's the game-sealing try for Wigan, who have been superb in this second half.

Matty Bowen, who has been excellent tonight, races through to gather Matty Smith's superbly weighted kick along the ground and the Australian stretches to the ball and just about keeps his fingertips on it to touch down.

Can he get another one before full-time to make it three hat-tricks in the three games today?

After pressure in defence, Wigan show their hand in attack.

Following a couple of drives forward the grubber kick comes bouncing into the in-goal area and all Kallum Watkins can do is palm it out for a drop out underneath the sticks.

It seems unthinkable that this Wigan side conceded 10 tries at Catalans last week.

Leeds, throwing the ball around trying to find a gap in the the Warriors line, just cannot find the space to work in and that's because of the pressure they are being put under.

Francis Cummins

Ex-Bradford coach on BBC Radio Leeds

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"This game is a different league and different level to those before it. These players will be sore in the morning."

Widnes beat Salford 38-16 in the Magic Weekend opener and Hull FC eased to a record 46-20 win over city rivals Rovers in the second game of the day.

Wigan will move up to second in the Super League table if they can hold on, and will close the gap to leaders Leeds to just two points.

Another wasted opportunity for Leeds as Ash Handley has grass to run into down the right wing.

Despite having support inside, he opts for a kick ahead and Matty Bowen pounces on the ball.

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The Super League leaders have looked unusually out of ideas at times with ball in hand when confronted with the Wigan wall of defence.

The likes of Ryan Hall and Kallum Watkins are yet to spark, but there is still only eight points separating the two teams...

So close for Leeds getting their first try of this second half.

First, Ash Handley runs from deep and shows a turn of pace to race through the Wigan defence and, just as he is tackled, does not see Rob Burrow on a supporting line on his inside.

Zak Hardaker then goes close but is brought down a couple of metres out.

Rugby league journalist Tony Hannan on BBC Radio Manchester: "We talked in the first half about how Wigan were applying pressure and blowing it. Exactly the same thing's happened there from the Leeds perspective.

"Zak Hardaker, who's had a good game, put his young winger Ash Handley under pressure. Matty Bowen was on hand 20 metres from his own line, he went the rest of the way and nobody was going to catch him."

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Wigan's third try, scored by Joe Burgess just before half-time, gave the Warriors a crucial half-time lead, and Matty Bowen's effort has extended that advantage.

Can Leeds find a way back in the last 20 minutes?

TRY

A decent time to score your first try of the season.

Leeds try to keep the ball alive and as they throw the ball out wide, Joe Burgess clatters into Ash Handley, causing him to spill the ball backwards.

Full-back Matty Bowen is the grateful recipient and, despite not being the quickest, has the legs to sprint most of the field to place down under the sticks.

A sight of the try line for Leeds but Ash Handley is unable to gather from Kallum Watkins' offload five metres out.

It was the double tackle from Wigan try scorers Joe Burgess and George Williams putting Handley under pressure, causing him to knock on.

PA

George Williams looks really in the mood this evening.

Excellent feet again to break through the Leeds defence, but Ryan Hall covering brings him down.

From Wigan's kick through, Zak Hardaker gathers the ball along the ground and makes good yards running away from his try line.

Rob Burrow into the action and immediately does what he does best, with a darting run from dummy half pushing Wigan backwards.

The smallest man in Super League will look to spark Leeds into life, as they have not looked threatening since the break.

Wigan look dangerous in broken play again when running from deep.

A long kick from Kevin Sinfield turns the back line but Matty Bowen runs it back with intent before feeding Joe Burgess. After a couple of dancing steps, he gives it to Josh Charnley as they reach the halfway line.

The Warriors' good work is wasted, though, when Connor Farrell spills the ball forward.

Matt Newsum

BBC Sport at St. James' Park

"Much cooler in the stadium now for the second half. A record crowd of 40,871 has been announced and the majority are still here. Leeds fans arguably the noisier of the two teams currently in action, but much credit goes to the Widnes support who are still here!"

Their win over Salford seems a long time ago...

Oh dear Dan Sarginson.

A brilliant high take from Wigan winger Joe Burgess from a box kick, he feeds Sarginson with the try line gaping and for some reason he knocks on. First sniff of a try from either side in the second half.

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Some crunching hits at the start of the second half.

The intensity in defence and the power of the tackling was a feature of the first half, and both teams have come out fired up again.

Kick-off

Leeds kick deep towards Wigan and the final half of rugby is under way for today.

What have you made of the first day of the 2015 Magic Weekend?

Let us know if you have been in Newcastle today using #bbcrl.

New record

PA

The attendance confirmed at 40,871 means that the Newcastle leg of Magic Weekend is the highest ever since the format came in nine years ago.

The previous record was 36,339 set at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium last year.

Who says that rugby league is just for the M62 corridor?

Earlier today...

PA

Fetuli Talanoa became the day's second hat-trick hero, his first Super League treble giving Hull FC a 46-20 victory over Hull KR in their Magic Weekend derby.

Kirk Yeaman added a brace for the Black and Whites, while Kieran Dixon and Josh Mantellato crossed twice for the Robins.

Earlier today...

PA

Widnes captain Kevin Brown inspired the Vikings to a 38-16 win over Salford, who had Darrell Griffin sent off just before half-time.

Brown scored a hat-trick of tries, while Patrick Ah Van crossed twice, as Widnes eased to victory.

Francis Cummins

Ex-Bradford coach on BBC Radio Leeds

"Leeds will be disappointed with their game management, and that is something that will need to be improved.

"I thought Wigan looked really shocked for a lot of that first half after the first 10 minutes. But Leeds haven't really driven it home and turned the screw on this Wigan side.

"They have allowed them to come back in it, gain field position and allowed them to play. And now Wigan have their tails up here."

SWPIX.COM

A topsy-turvy match and you'd think the lead could carry on changing.

Dan Sarginson's early score gave Wigan advantage on the scoreboard, but Leeds rallied with Adam Cuthbertson and Joel Moon giving them the advantage.

Long-range scores from youngsters George Williams and Joe Burgess have though given the Warriors a slender two-point advantage.

It's almost a shame there's only 40 minutes left to play.

Half-time

The blue riband game of Saturday is certainly living up to the billing. Wigan's third try of the game on the stroke of half-time has given them the momentum.

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Rugby league journalist Tony Hannan on BBC Radio Manchester: "We were saying we were likely to see something remarkable and that's exactly what we saw. Once Joe Burgess gets up a head of steam, he's very difficult to stop. That's why the NRL want him so badly."

Winger Burgess is heading to Sydney Roosters at the end of the season.

TRY

PA

This is a classic Wigan try.

A deep kick is gathered by Matty Bowen who runs over halfway towards the Leeds line, before finding a sprinting Joe Burgess on his left shoulder.

He bursts through the defensive line, steps around the last defender and strolls in under the posts.

Great work from Michael McIlorum pressing Leeds in defence and Wigan get the head and feed.

The Warriors go through a few sets closing in on the try line, before Matty Smith knocks on to relieve the pressure for Leeds.

James Deighton

BBC Radio Leeds commentator

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"Looks like there is more of Williams out than in. It is really hard to tell. The try has been given and that feels a little cruel on Leeds."

Trevor Hunt

BBC Radio Manchester

"George Williams backed himself and Wigan are right back in this."

TRY

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Made and finished by George Williams this.

From 40 metres out, he pushes through some weak tackling and then backs himself in a race to the corner with Zak Hardaker.

After a long look with the video referee, the try is given, as Hardaker made a brilliant effort to try to drag Williams into touch.

Golden opportunity for Wigan to score their second try, but they just seem to have lost a clinical touch.

A powerful run gets Joel Tomkins eight metres from the try line down the right wing, but as the Warriors try to use the ball quickly, they knock on.

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Whatever Joe Burgess can do, so can Zak Hardaker.

A Wigan kick finds the Leeds full-back deep in his in-goal area and he somehow manages to wriggle around a couple of challenges and place the ball outside the goal area so Leeds have a set of six on their own try line.

Danny McGuire goes on a surging run over the halfway line, but he knocks on in the tackle just as he is about to pass.

Brilliant work from Joe Burgess after more Leeds pressure.

The winger is scrambling on the ground when a grubber kick is put through, but he managed to gather the ball and then place it out of the in-goal area to prevent a goal-line drop out.

From there, George Williams kicks upfield and as Kallum Watkins gathers he's shoved into touch for a scrum to the Warriors.

Getty Images/BBC

Wigan need to get themselves back into this game somehow - is Joe Burgess the man to do it?

James Deighton

BBC Radio Leeds commentator

"I absolutely did not see Joel Moon there. It's like a fan has come onto the pitch out of the stands. I didn't spot at all, I thought the ball was just going to run dead."

TRY

Predatory instincts by Joel Moon that any striker playing at St. James' Park would be proud of.

Josh Charnley palms the ball in goal from Danny McGuire's high kick and Moon was lurking in the in-goal area to get to the ball before Joel Tomkins could claim it.

After being on the back foot in the opening stages, Brian McDermott's side are now very much on top.

Francis Cummins

Ex-Bradford coach on BBC Radio Leeds

"For all money it looked as if Leeds would go to the long side, go out there to the left-hand side where it looked like they had the numbers.

"It was a great little play there as Sinfield goes to the line and Cuthbertson hits that line so hard. He is very hard to stop and as we have seen he has good footwork for a big man and takes contact, spins out and finds a great one-hand put down. It is a great try."

A try saving interception by the fingers of Ryan Hall.

A dancing run from Wigan's scrum-half Matty Smith gets him behind the defence and as he looks to loop a pass out wide for Josh Charnley, Hall stretches out to prevent a certain try.

Shamoon Hafez

BBC Sport at St. James' Park

PA

"Harry Potter actor Matthew Lewis says his favourite Leeds player is Kevin Sinfield. 'It has to be, doesn't it?' he says.

"The Rhinos skipper is to leave the club at the end of the season and join rugby union side Yorkshire Carnegie.

"'What an incredible player he has been,' says Lewis, who lives in London but has a season ticket at Headingley.

"'I am proud to have watched him over the years and can say to people I was there throughout his captaincy. That is a real highlight for me.'"

TRY

A first foray towards the try line for Leeds and a first try.

Running hard at pace, Adam Cuthbertson hits an excellent line off the dummy half and two Wigan tacklers cannot stop him from close range to touch down.

Kevin Sinfield is successful with his first kick - his 1,500th goal in Super League.

PA

Early penalties have really hurt Leeds here. They've hardly touched the ball and Wigan have been pretty much camped in their half.

Apart from the try, their defence though has been good with some booming hits from veteran Jamie Peacock.

Rugby league journalist Tony Hannan on BBC Radio Manchester: "Fantastic finishing by Dan Sarginson, but George Williams deserves a lot of the credit. It's fast hands and fast feet from Williams."

TRY

SWPIX.COM

Wigan have dominated the early possession and have their early reward.

Following George Williams' weaving run and attempted kick through, the ball ricochets off a Leeds leg to fall kindly to the attacking runners, with Dan Sarginson the grateful recipient.

After a quick check of the grounding with the video referee, the try is given as Sarginson scores for the third Super League game in a row.

Wigan coach Shaun Wane cannot hide his anger as the Warriors make their first handling mistake of the game.

Attacking the Leeds line, stand-off George Williams - under no pressure - spills the ball.

Having lost their last two games, is Wane beginning to feel the pressure?

PA

A first high tester for experienced Wigan full-back Matty Bowen, which he takes with ease.

A couple of sets later and Kevin Sinfield is penalised, the Warriors kick deep and have a set of six 30 metres out...

Kick-off

Wigan kick off the third and final match of day one and Jamie Peacock takes up the first drive for Leeds.

Wigan's Sean O'Loughlin and Leeds' Kevin Sinfield lead their teams out in the final game of Saturday's action at Magic Weekend 2015.

The Cherry and Whites are in their home strip, with the Rhinos changing to their grey away colours this evening.

James Deighton

BBC Radio Leeds commentator

James Deighton/BBC Radio Leeds

BBC Radio Leeds commentator James Deighton on Twitter: Ready for action at the #MagicWeekend.

Live commentary from BBC Radio Leeds and BBC Radio Manchester can be found by clicking on the Live Coverage tab.

BBC

It's fair to say games between these two have been tight when it comes to Magic Weekend fixtures over the past couple of years.

Wigan have won both matches when they have faced each other, including a bruising encounter in Manchester last season.

Shamoon Hafez

BBC Sport at St. James' Park

Shamoon Hafez/BBC Sport

"There are always celebrities knocking about during these events, and I managed to grab a quick chat with Harry Potter actor Matthew Lewis.

"Lewis is a massive Leeds Rhinos fan, which comes across when sat with him, speaking passionately about the club he loves.

"'It has been a brilliant season so far,' he says. 'People have had a dig at Leeds in 2011 and 2012 saying we scraped a win through the play-offs but we deserved the wins.'

Asked how the Rhinos will fare against Wigan at Magic Weekend, he replied: 'I don't really like them! It is going to be tough and they'll be fired up after a thumping against Catalans but we will win. Just.'

"We'll soon find out if he's right."

350 and counting

SWpix.com

Congratulations also to Jamie Jones-Buchanan who will make the 350th appearance of his career when he comes off the bench for Leeds.

The 33-year-old former Great Britain international has spent his whole career with the Rhinos and made his debut 16 years ago in the summer of 1999.

200 not out

SWpix.com

There are a couple of milestones reached tonight.

Firstly, Wigan hooker Michael McIlorum will play his 200th game for the Warriors this evening.

The England international has scored 20 times since making his debut in 2007.

Line-ups

Leeds: Hardaker; Handley, Watkins, Moon, Hall; Sinfield, McGuire; Cuthbertson, Aiton, Peacock, S. Ward, Delaney, Ablett.

Replacements: Achurch, Jones-Buchanan, Singleton, Burrow.

Wigan: Bowen; Charnley, J. Tomkins, Sarginson, Burgess; Williams, Smith; Crosby, McIlorum, Mossop, Bateman, Patrick, O'Loughlin.

Replacements: Flower, Tautai, Sutton, Farrell.

Referee: Phil Bentham.

So it is Hull FC that get the better of Rovers in the second of three games at St. James' Park today.

Handing over now to Nathan Middleton for Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors (19:00 BST).

Hull FC winger Fetuli Talanoa, who scored a hat-trick, tells Sky Sports: "It is always a bonus to get go over the try line, so to get three and my first in the Super League is pretty special.

"It is always a good game between us and Rovers. These derbies never get easier, it was a tough game all the way to the last minute and we knew we had to be good across the park to win.

"I've never been in this kind of atmosphere and it is good for Super League and the fans to watch every team."

Full time

PA

The whistle blows on Hull FC's biggest ever Super League win over city rivals Rovers.

Fetuli Talanoa scored a hat-trick and Kirk Yeaman a brace as the Black and Whites ran in eight tries to four.

When it is not your day, well then it is not your day. Two minutes from the end and Kevin Larroyer goes down for Hull KR and looks to be in some pain. Not clear if it is an ankle or knee complaint.

Former Hull FC and Hull KR hooker Lee Richardson on BBC Radio Humberside: "There will be times when Hull KR will look back and know they will have needed to have been better.

"But credit to Hull FC, it's not been a particularly vintage performance but they've not needed it to be."

Somehow Kirk Yeaman wraps up Maurice Blair's legs as the Hull KR utility tries to send a kick through. It's an apt way to define Rovers' day at St James' Park. Simply, they have been swept up by Hull FC.

Marc Sneyd's seventh goal of the afternoon ensures that Hull FC bring up a record Super League score against their most bitter rivals.

TRY

Danny Houghton with a little dink to confuse Hull KR's defence and with the neatest of passes back the other way, Kirk Yeaman is in for his second try of the day.

Hull KR go knocking on the door, but Marc Sneyd picks the ball up on his own try line and just like that the Black and Whites leave Rovers backtracking.

You would think with that last effort that Fetuli Talanoa grabs hat-tricks ever other week.

However, that is far from the case as that is the 27-year-old's first career treble. Nice day to get it - Magic Weekend against Hull derby rivals Rovers.

TRY

PA

Danny Houghton with a barnstorming run through the KR defence, but almost threw it all away with a poor pass out wide to find Fetuli Talanoa.

But, after picking the ball off his shoelaces, Talanoa shows his power and poise to complete his hat-trick in the corner.

Former Hull FC and Hull KR hooker Lee Richardson on BBC Radio Humberside: "Hull FC have had to survive a bit of an onslaught from Rovers there.

"I still think that FC have got a couple more tries in them, but you never know - at the moment the momentum in this game is really shifting."

Try line begging, but Ben Cockayne goes for a long pass trying to find Josh Mantellato rather than go to Kris Welham, who had picked out a hole in Hull FC's defence to punch through.

It comes to nothing and play quickly goes back down field.

TRY

For the second time today Josh Mantellato is found out wide by Kris Welham and the comeback is looking well and truly on as Hull KR are playing with real daring and belief all of a sudden. However, Mantellato could have helped the cause if he found the mark with the conversion.

Goal-line drop out from Hull FC after Fetuli Talanoa fails to handle a Terry Campese kick.

Can Hull KR grab another try and really spark a fightback here?

TRY

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Seconds after Watts was held up at one end, a Marc Sneyd kick is defused and Ken Sio breaks away from near his own goal line and races into Hull territory before turning the ball back inside for Kieran Dixon to touch down for a second time today.

Liam Watts held up over the line. Hull FC are pressing for more points. It was Ben Cockayne with that try-saving challenge.

A long Terry Campese kick up field will at least relieve pressure on Hull KR for a moment. Hull FC have really dominated this second half.

Get involved

Jacob Brown: Hull KR are missing their forwards a lot. Campese and Blair can't create anything if the forwards don't lay the platform for them.

Use #bbcrl on Twitter to have your say.

Former Hull FC and Hull KR hooker Lee Richardson on BBC Radio Humberside: "That is woeful defending by Hull KR. Nobody is taking the bull by the the horns.

"As Rovers look forlorn Hull FC are looking more and more buoyant and I think they're going to add more to this score line."

TRY

Two tries in quick succession could have put this one to bed. A quick break from Leon Pryce, Danny Houghton continues forward and Jordan Rankin finishes off a slick counter-attacking move. Hull FC in control now.

TRY

Some neat work from Liam Watts to run onto a grubber kick to put Hull FC just metres out from Rovers' line. Maybe Ben Cockayne should have fallen onto the ball and put his body on the line to quell the danger.

It doesn't really matter and Fetuli Talanoa goes in for his second of the match.

Is Fetuli Talanoa over here? Video referee studies it.

Marginal forward pass from Marc Sneyd to Mark Minichiello saves Hull KR from real early danger.

Kick-off

PA

With a 10-point gap to overcome, can Chris Chester's Hull KR side come out firing in the second half and take something from their trip to Newcastle?

It's Rovers who kick off the second half.

Still to come

Already Widnes Vikings have been triumphant on the St James' Park pitch, and Hull FC are leading city rivals Rovers at half-time in the second of six games during Magic Weekend.

And we still have a blockbuster to look forward to today, as Super League leaders Leeds Rhinos take on Wigan Warriors (19:00 BST).

Get involved

Remember, you can have your say on anything Magic Weekend-related by using #bbcrl on Twitter.

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In our first game of the day, Widnes Vikings got the better of Salford Red Devils.

Widnes captain Kevin Brown crossed for a hat-trick of tries, while Salford's played the entire second half with 12 men following Darrell Griffin's red card.

Read Shamoon Hafez's match report here.

Shamoon Hafez

BBC Sport at St. James' Park

"I don't think the TV does justice to how big these players really are. Sitting in the front row of the press box, Hull winger Tom Lineham is quite close to us. The legs on the lad - absolute tree trunks.

"It's a cracker of a Hull derby so far, swinging from one side to another, and both sets of fans are certainly making themselves heard. Who will have the last hurrah?"

PA

Former Hull FC and Hull KR hooker Lee Richardson on BBC Radio Humberside: "It was a dominant showing from the Black and Whites and they probably deserve a bigger margin than they've got at the moment.

"I can't see Rovers finding anything. They've got a real lack of size and that is costing them."

Half-time

Hull FC go into the break 10 points up on their city rivals Hull KR, with tries from Kirk Yeaman, Fetuli Talanoa, Gareth Ellis and Mark Minichiello all going over for the Black and Whites.

A try from Super League's leading points scorer this season, Josh Mantellato, and a stunning intercept effort from Kieran Dixon is at least keeping Rovers in this contest.

Video referee intervenes to take some late pressure off Hull FC's defence. Just moments away from half-time now.

Marc Sneyd is sending up the biggest bombs here and Hull KR always seem to be defensively perplexed by them.

How they haven't produced more tries is beyond me.

TRY

SWPIX.COM

There were options left, there were options right, so what does Mark Minichiello do? Well he throws a dummy, shrugs off a tackle and muscles over.

That try came from nothing and will sting Hull KR after they hit back is stunning fashion through Kieran Dixon.

Matt Newsum

BBC Sport at St. James' Park

SWPIX.COM

"Hull FC are dominant up front and Liam Watts is causing mayhem. That Gareth Ellis try was partly made by Rovers' defence expecting the ball to go left to Watts.

"The call and response banter between the two sets of supporters has been quelled by the Airlie Birds storming into the lead, but Rovers and their have-a-go style of footy are still in this, believe me, as that Kieran Dixon intercept showed. No one was going to catch him."

Former Hull FC and Hull KR hooker Lee Richardson on BBC Radio Humberside: "Hull FC's big blokes have really come to the fore. It's giving them the platform to play off.

"Rovers have to find some grunt from somewhere or they're going to get a stuffing."

TRY

SWPIX.COM

Kieran Dixon jets away after intercepting a pass and goes 85 metres to respond for Hull KR in devastating and very timely fashion.

And, with a little jig, Dixon celebrates his 50th career try.

Hull FC not only look as if they can blitz though on demand in attack, they are playing with plenty of defensive gusto and have really restricted Rovers to two real threatening chances so far. Of course, one of them ended with Josh Mantellato going over.

TRY

End-to-end stuff here, which ends with Gareth Ellis going over for Hull FC's third try.

Terry Campese had caused all sorts of panic at the other end as he dashed away, but in a flash Leon Pryce helped turn defence into attack and Ellis darts over for the Black and Whites.

Gwilym Lloyd

BBC Radio Humberside

"With the amount of possession they've had, Hull FC could perhaps be another six or eight points better off."

That man Fetuli Talanoa has been explosive for Hull FC all afternoon, be it muscling Hull KR players into touch or threatening to blow a hole their their resistance.

TRY

Hull FC pile the pressure on with a few back-to-back sets and after Marc Sneyd's kick forces an error from Hull KR deep in defence, the Black and Whites stretch their city rivals out wide and Fetuli Talanoa really strolls in for their second score.

Sneyd hits the post with the attempted conversion.

Get involved

PA

Mark Brown: Got to love the Magic Weekend. Well jel of everyone up there. Noise for the Hull derby sounds brilliant.

Loving your use of "well jel" there, Mark.

Any views on the Magic Weekend so far and the matches to come? Get in touch using #bbcrl on Twitter.

SWPIX.COM

Former Hull FC and Hull KR hooker Lee Richardson on BBC Radio Humberside: "That's a great response from Hull KR, but they shouldn't have scored there. It's a two-v-two on Hull's line. Tom Lineham was ball-watching and daydreaming. He's a really good player but he's got to do better than that."

TRY

SWPIX.COM

Josh Mantellato, Super League's leading points scorer this season so far, zips down the left touchline after getting on the end of a sublime pass out from Kris Welham.

Former Hull FC and Hull KR hooker Lee Richardson on BBC Radio Humberside: "We know what Marc Sneyd can do when he puts his foot to the ball. He deftly knocked it over the top and Kirk Yeaman did the rest."

TRY

Kick goes up from Marc Sneyd and Kirk Yeaman comes down with it to twist around under pressure and dot down as cool as you like.

Have Hull FC gone over here? We're going up to the video referee...

Mark Minichiello gets the Hull FC fans on their feet early with a bust down the middle. The Black and Whites are moving forward with plenty of endeavour but attacks are coming to nothing.

Kick-off

Matt Newsum/BBC Sport

A roar rings out around St. James' Park as this Hull derby gets under way and the feast of rugby league continues with the second of six Magic Weekend fixtures.

Closest of rivals

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They share the same city, their homes are separated by just a few miles and as it stands they are squeezed together in the Super League table with 12 competition points each, having both won six and lost eight league fixtures so far this season.

Already, they have met once this year with Hull KR getting the better of their hosts 20-6 in April.

Victory now will be vital as they both eye a place in the top eight.

Matt Newsum

BBC Sport at St. James' Park

"Just spoken to Hull KR prop Dane Tilse, who misses out today with a hand injury. He only joined from Canberra earlier this season so this is his first taste of the Magic Weekend, and he's been mightily impressed so far.

"He says it's "like a Grand Final" out there, which is as much of a thumbs-up as you could give the event really."

Hull derby number 225

BBC

Normally it takes just a skip and hop for Hull FC and Hull KR to meet one another, but for the 225th instalment of the city derby, they head 147 miles north to St. James' Park.

With a rivalry as long as that and regular meetings at Magic Weekend adding extra spice to their relationship, there are countless iconic moments that we could highlight.

The 1979-80 season was a vintage year as these two great foes both beat one another to claim treasured pieces of silverware. Hull KR got the better of Hull FC in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley, avenging an earlier final loss to their cross-city rivals in what was the last Floodlit Trophy final.

Watch highlights of the Floodlit Trophy final here or by clicking on the Highlights tab.

First taste of an age-old affair

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With a National Rugby League premiership title, international caps with New Zealand and Samoa and seven years of Super League experience to his name having played for St Helens and Salford, there is not a lot that prop Tony Puletua has not done.

Today, however, the 35-year-old is set to make a very special debut for Hull KR as the on-loan Salford man goes straight into the starting line-up to face city rivals Hull FC.

The Magic Weekend showdown will be Puletua's first Super League action this term, having failed to make an appearance for Salford in 2015.

Line-ups

Hull FC: Rankin; Lineham, Sa, Yeaman, Talanoa; Pryce, Sneyd; Paea, Houghton, Watts, Ellis, Minichiello, Westerman.

Replacements: Paleaaesina, Green, Abdull, Whiting.

Hull KR: Cockayne; Dixon, Sio, Welham, Mantellato; Campese, Blair; Puletua, Boudebza, J. Green, Larroyer, Ollett, McCarthy.

Replacements: Greenwood, Donaldson, Cox, Esslemont.

Referee: Robert Hicks.

Getty Images

Well, Widnes Vikings are the Magic Weekend's first winners, beating 12-man Salford Red Devils with the help of a Kevin Brown hat-trick.

Next up at 16:45 BST is the Hull derby between Hull FC and Hull KR.

To guide you through that game is Andrew Aloia.

PA

Salford head coach Iestyn Harris tells Sky Sports:

"I thought Kevin Brown was terrific for them and controlled their team. We're obviously very disappointed with the result. We asked for a change in effort in the second half and we got that.

"We spoke about the discipline. Was it a red card? I'm not sure, maybe a yellow."

Matt Newsum

BBC Sport at St. James' Park

"Widnes held Salford at arms' length and their huge contingent behind the sticks at the Gallowgate End celebrate victory.

"Both sets of players have hands on knees, proof of the effort given and there are mutual back pats all round. That's the beauty of rugby league.

"Now it's all about East Yorkshire..."

The Hull derby is up next.

PA

Widnes captain Kevin Brown, who scored a hat-trick, tells Sky Sports:

"I just love playing on the big stage. I feel so lucky playing in a venue like this, it's great. It was a tough game - I was a bit poorly last week so I've not got much training in."

Full time

PA

An entertaining game to begin the feast of rugby league in Newcastle.

Widnes have made it back-to-back wins on grass after their first win of 2015 away from their artificial pitch last week, running in seven tries with Kevin Brown grabbing a hat-trick. Plenty for their coach, Denis Betts, to smile about.

Salford were on the back foot following Darrell Griffin's red card and remain 11th in Super League.

SIN-BIN

The game will finish with 11 men playing 12.

Both Widnes' Cameron Phelps and Salford's Josh Griffin are shown yellow cards following their scuffle off the ball after a tackle.

Josh joins brother Darrell in being told to leave the field this afternoon, in what has already been an emotional day for them after the minute's silence at the start of the match following the death of their father.

Widnes are heading into the top half of the table with this win, leapfrogging Castleford and Catalans into sixth place.

They still haven't given up looking for another try and have a set of six to get through, but play is stopped as a fight breaks out off the ball between Cameron Phelps and Josh Griffin.

Kevin Brown's afternoon is done, with Denis Betts taking his star man off following his hat-trick.

A grubber kick is sent through for the Vikings' back line to chase but it is slightly overcooked, giving a scrum to Salford not too far away from their own try line.

TRY

And that looks just about that for Widnes in securing the two points today.

Slick hands through the line works it from left to right, and Stefan Marsh, who scored a hat-trick last week, runs hard to cross out wide on the right.

Jack Owens strokes home the extras expertly from the touchline.

Weller Hauraki throws the ball out of the tackle, but there is nobody near him and Widnes gather.

A set of six in a promising attacking position for the Vikings here...

Matt Newsum

BBC Sport at St. James' Park

"Plenty of arms folded in the Salford section, and motionless faces despite the second-half fightback.

"There's also a few tired-looking faces in the Salford side. It's been an emotional week for the Griffin family and the way Josh wearily got to his feet there a moment ago showed just how much this has game has taken out of him."

SWPIX.COM

Earlier on, we mentioned the special black-and-white striped kit that Widnes are sporting for this Magic Weekend fixture against Salford.

Proceeds from sales of the shirt are to be donated to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, and while the game's been in progress, Widnes have announced that £20,000 has been raised.

A fantastic effort by all.

All the momentum Salford seemed to gather from scoring those two tries seems to have been sucked out by that Kevin Brown score.

And Brown's not just menacing in attack - he barges Greg Johnson into touch with some strong tackling to give his side a scrum.

Former Salford forward Chris Charles on BBC Radio Manchester: "There lies the difference between the two teams. Kevin Brown controlled the first half and used that opportunity to attack the line. Through a few pairs of hands, and Kevin Brown sprinted away to score."

TRY

After a long time with the video referee, stand-off Kevin Brown has the eighth hat-trick of his career.

It all came from an interception by Cameron Phelps after Salford's Weller Hauraki threw a poor long pass.

No dummy needed this time from Widnes captain Brown, who gathers the ball in from a wrap-around move and he strolls in.

Ray French

BBC Radio Merseyside

"Salford made a really big effort here, their forwards are taking the ball up and tackling hard. Adrian Morley is setting the example and Theo Fages is buzzing about.

"Suddenly this Salford side have sight of a possible turnover. Who would have thought that with them having 12 men and 16 points down at half-time?"

TRY

Well, well, well. Are we on for a great comeback?

A simple pass by Widnes is knocked on by Alex Gerrard and former Leeds winger Ben Jones-Bishop gathers the spilled ball and sprints in under the posts.

Has his eighth try of the campaign got the Red Devils back into this game? They've scored two tries to Widnes' one so far this half, despite their man disadvantage.

Widnes skipper Kevin Brown seems to have shaken off a hand injury he picked up scoring his second try of the afternoon.

He is still taking the ball at every opportunity and guiding his players around the field.

Brown goes for a big kick down field but kicks it out on the full to give Salford the ball on the half way line...

Matt Newsum

BBC Sport at St. James' Park

"What Salford would give for a Kevin Brown in the side. Too many last-tackle-play kicks straight down the throat of a waiting Widnes player in space.

"Hull FC fans dished out a rendition of Old Faithful as they begin to assemble for the derby, while the action on the field has obviously improved enough to stem the tide of the impending Mexican wave. Phew."

PA

There has certainly been more energy shown by Salford at the start of this second half. It's not just scoring their try either - they've closed down well in defence and chased kicks with gusto.

TRY

Credit to Salford who have clearly not given up here.

A huge high kick from Theo Fages allows Niall Evalds to win the aerial challenge with Rhys Hanbury, and he throws the ball out to keep it alive.

The Red Devils work it to Greg Johnson and despite three covering defenders coming onto him, he finds and gap and stretches out his right hand to place the ball on the line.

News coming through that Salford are going to be without forward Cory Paterson for the rest of the game.

He was forced off in the first half after receiving a stray elbow, and following a concussion check, the Australian is unable to come back on.

Allan Rooney

BBC Radio Merseyside

"Kevin Brown sold the dummy and knew he had the momentum to get over the try line. I think he's going to be okay. There's no need to take any risks, but Kevin Brown won't want to leave this field."

TRY

PA

Superb attacking from deep this by Widnes, even against the 12 men of Salford.

First Aaron Heremaia hits an excellent angle to break through the initial line of defence on the halfway line. Once the ball reaches Kevin Brown, he throws another huge dummy which Salford fall for and he crosses for his second of the afternoon.

He stays down to receive some treatment on his arm but he should be fine.

Kick-off

The teams are back out in the sunshine in Newcastle and Jack Owens kicks deep into Salford territory to get us going...

Matt Newsum

BBC Sport at St. James' Park

"You know you're at a big event when you've got DJ Spoony dropping classic UK garage over the PA. Got to say so far the 'Dream Team' have been Widnes..."

Listen live

Remember, you can listen to live BBC radio commentary of every Magic Weekend game on desktop, tablet and mobile devices by clicking on the Live Coverage tab.

The best finishers in the land

BBC

Widnes' Patrick Ah Van will need another couple of tries in the second half to get him on this list.

His two touchdowns in that first 40 minutes have taken him to nine tries for the season, with eight of those so far in Super League.

Later tonight, you can see if Wigan flyer Joe Burgess can extend his record at the top of the table when the Warriors face Leeds (19:00 BST).

Matt Newsum

BBC Sport at St. James' Park

"Widnes look in total control but their players were business-like as they headed off the field.

"Salford players looked resigned, down to 12 and pretty much three scores behind.

"Both Hull sides looking relaxed on the field for their walkabouts during half-time, and a few phones out for pictures. Even these top players are pretty impressed by the St. James' Park setting."

Get involved

So what have you made of the opening 40 minutes of the 2015 Magic Weekend?

Was Darrell Griffin's challenge deserving of a red card? Could Widnes cause a few shocks later in the campaign if they reach the top eight this season?

We'd love to hear your thoughts using #bbcrl on Twitter.

Former Salford forward Chris Charles on BBC Radio Manchester: "He acknowledged he'd done something wrong - it was obvious to everybody he'd hit his head. Was it that malicious? I'm not 100% sure."

A suggestion that Griffin may have said something out of turn to referee James Child - hopefully some clarification on that later on...

Half-time

Getty Images

Salford are 14 points down and with only 12 men on the pitch, it looks a long way back for the Red Devils.

Denis Betts' Widnes side have really been impressive in that first 40 minutes, with captain Kevin Brown at the heart of everything.

Lacking their starting half-back pairing of Rangi Chase and Michael Dobson, Salford are looking a bit lost for direction at the minute.

RED CARD

Things going from bad to worse for Salford.

Widnes running the ball back with pace through youngster Matt Whitley and Darrell Griffin gets his tackle all wrong and catches him with a swinging right arm to the face.

He becomes the sixth man to be sent off at the Magic Weekend.

Ray French

BBC Radio Merseyside

"I don't see how Salford are going to get back into this. They're kicking aimlessly back downfield to Widnes, they're dropping it at every possible opportunity, and that's allowing Widnes to gather momentum."

TRY

SWPIX.COM

Sumptuous bit of skill this by Kevin Brown.

Receiving the ball from Manase Manuokafoa from six yards out, Brown throws a huge dummy that fools both the Salford defenders in front of him and he dives in under posts.

Despite Salford opening the scoring, Widnes have now run in four unanswered tries and looking by far the better team right now.

It's fair to say it has not been a good few minutes for Salford.

They lose try scorer Cory Paterson when he gets caught with a stray elbow and goes off for a concussion check.

Moments later, prop Carl Forster tries to throw the ball out of the tackle and gets it all wrong to gift Widnes possession.

Matt Newsum

BBC Sport at St. James' Park

"Manase Manuokafoa has given Widnes a bit more bop up top, although they didn't need much of it for that Patrick Ah Van try. Too easy.

"The crowd looks decent from here in the Milburn Stand - sizeable contingents in all stands. Both Hull clubs have arrived and are watching on with interest before their own heavyweight encounter."

Still to come later - the Hull derby at 16:45 BST and then Leeds v Wigan at 19:00 BST.

PA

Fair to say it's been a magical start for Widnes in Newcastle, and these fans dressed as wizards would agree.

Two tries from Patrick Ah Van have put the Vikings in control against Salford in the first encounter of this year's Magic Weekend.

TRY

SWPIX.COM

One of the simplest tries you will see this weekend.

It all came from a high tackle by Salford's Josh Griffin and from the penalty Widnes get a in promising position on the left.

A quick dart by Aaron Heremaia, who was the recipient of Griffin's high shot, and back on the inside is that man Patrick Ah Van again to power through from a couple of yards with barely a tackle on him.

SWPIX.COM

Former Salford forward Chris Charles on BBC Radio Manchester: "Really good play by Widnes. The player running onto Hanbury's pass didn't have to break his stride. It was a really good tackle by Evalds to stop Owens scoring."

So close again for a rampaging Vikings side at the moment.

First Jack Owens' sprint down the right was stopped just short by Salford's Niall Evalds. They work the ball quickly and Joe Mellor's weighted grubber just has too much on it and drifts out of play.

Theo Fages then overcooks a kick under little pressure and Widnes have possession inside their own half again...

Matt Newsum

BBC Sport at St. James' Park

"After a pretty ragged start, we've got a game. Both sides lacked a bit of shape in attack early on, and since then the proverbial pendulum hasn't stopped swinging.

"Cory Paterson has been an inspired signing for Salford, playing in centres, front row and today on the edge in the back row.

"One thing to note - despite the sunshine, the shadows are keeping it pretty cool at pitch level, which won't make it so tough on the big men up front."

TRY

SWPIX.COM

After an inauspicious start, Widnes look like scoring every time they come forward now.

Black and white shirts are charging towards the line and, from short range, Danny Galea hits the line at speed and despite three Salford defenders, he is able to prod down.

Ray French

BBC Radio Merseyside

"All that came from a mistake by Salford. You make mistakes, and how quickly does a try come."

TRY

SWPIX.COM

Perfect response by Widnes.

After a couple of drives to get them near the try line, the ball is worked to Kevin Brown and, with options short and wide, he fizzes one out wide to big wing Patrick Ah Van to power over.

That's eight tries in 11 games this season for the Samoan.

Former Salford forward Chris Charles on BBC Radio Manchester: "Widnes have had a couple of early opportunities and not taken them. That's been the first time Salford have had anything substantial in the Widnes half and they've scored a really good try."

TRY

We have the first try of the Magic Weekend and it's with Salford's first meaningful attack.

It all came from a knock on by Widnes skipper Kevin Brown. After a burst down the left wing by Ben Jones-Bishop, he does brilliantly to keep in the field of play and throw it inside to Junior Sau, who offloads to Cory Paterson on an excellent line to touch down.

Bright sunshine at the moment in the North East, which a huge shadow covering half of the pitch - it's ideal conditions for running rugby and both sides are obliging.

Widnes, orchestrated by stand-off Kevin Brown, have looked more dangerous with ball in hand so far, but neither side has had the territory to get close to a first score yet.

Allan Rooney

BBC Radio Merseyside

"Widnes have had all the possession and all the field position, but they've not broken the door open yet. The longer that goes on, that will be a concern for Widnes."

Much like when Newcastle United have been attacking the Gallowgate End this season, that's a real waste by Widnes.

They work it to either side of the field but then fail to get a kick in on the last tackle and the ball is tamely turned over to Salford.

Matt Newsum

BBC Sport at St. James' Park

"Impeccably observed silence for Martin Griffin before this game. The three brothers - Darrell, George and Josh - are all starting for Salford today.

"No let up in the intensity on the field, while Widnes are winning the volume battle in the stands with their slightly more sizeable travelling support."

First mistake of the afternoon and Salford's Jordan Walne at dummy half passes it forward, to give Widnes head and feed in an excellent attacking position.

Salford's Junior Sau receives some treatment on his leg as play stops and Widnes get play back under way.

After Widnes go through their first set with enough ease, Salford break through wing Greg Johnson down the right.

A high kick is sent up on the last tackle, but the Vikings gather easy enough.

An impeccably observed minute's silence in memory of Martin Griffin, the father of Salford brothers Darrell, Josh and George.

The Salford players made one big huddle to gather around the three brothers who were clearly emotional.

The Red Devils kick deep to Widnes and the 2015 edition of Magic Weekend is under way.

Matt Newsum/BBC Sport

Final shots of inside the two dressing rooms of players firing each other up. Salford opting to chest bump into each other with the black and white stripes of Widnes looking more serene.

They're in the tunnels now ready to come out onto the St. James' Park turf.

Listen live

Listen to live BBC local radio commentary of all of today's Magic Weekend games by clicking on the Live Coverage tab.

BBC

Wigan will be hoping to leapfrog rivals St Helens if they beat Leeds tonight. The reigning Super League champions face Warrington tomorrow at 15:15 BST.

Your other two offerings on Sunday are Catalans v Huddersfield (13:00 BST) to start the day and the whole weekend is finished with Castleford taking on bottom club Wakefield (17:30 BST).

Rugby league in Newcastle

PA

So one of British rugby league's showpiece events heads to the North East and moves into the home of Newcastle United Football Club.

Now, the city is regarded football-mad and there is room for Premiership rugby union, with Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park.

Where does rugby league fit? Well, Magic Weekend is not just a rugby league taster for the city, as Newcastle are now home to the Thunder - formerly known as Gateshead Thunder, who play in the third step of British rugby league and who last played in Super League in 1999.

Their relocation in January ensured that professional rugby league returned to Newcastle for the first time in 1938.

BBC

The first two games this weekend feature teams all sat in the bottom half of the table.

First up, Salford will be looking to end their six-game losing streak when they take on Widnes at 14:30 BST.

Then it's one of the juiciest games we've got this weekend as the Hull derby heads to Newcastle with Hull FC facing Hull KR (16:45 BST), followed by first against third with Leeds against Wigan (19:00 BST).

Get involved

If you want to get in touch with us at any point during this Magic Weekend, use #bbcrl on Twitter.

A black and white army

@WidnesRL

Widnes have made a special one-off kit for this game which you imagine might sway any local neutrals...

The changed kit of black and white stripes has been designed in mind with the team that call St. James' Park home - Premier League side Newcastle United.

Former Magpies players John Beresford, Peter Beardsley and Rob Lee pose with Vikings winger Jack Owens (second left). All proceeds from the shirt are going to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Getty Images/BBC

The home of Newcastle United Football Club is the latest venue to host this feast of rugby league.

It all started back in 2007 at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium before going north to Murrayfield in Edinburgh, detouring back to Wales and onward to Manchester City's Etihad Stadium for the last three years.

'He loved watching us play'

@joshogriffo

It's sure to be an emotional day for three of Salford's squad.

The Griffin brothers - Darrell, Josh and George - all start alongside each other for the first time despite the death of their father this week.

The trio made themselves available to head coach Iestyn Harris and although they've played in a friendly together, this will be the first time they've featured for the first team in a competitive match.

Line-ups

Salford: Evalds; Jones-Bishop, Sau, J. Griffin, Johnson; Fages, Hauraki; D. Griffin, Walne, Taylor, Hansen, Paterson, G. Griffin.

Replacements: Morley, Hood, Walton, Forster.

Widnes: Hanbury; Owens, Marsh, Phelps, Ah Van; Brown, Mellor; Gerrard, White, Dudson, Clarkson, Galea, Isa.

Replacements: Whitley, Manuokafoa, Leuluai, Heremaia.

Referee: James Child.

A Magic Weekend in Newcastle?

Matt Newsum

BBC Sport at St. James' Park

"There's no denying that Newcastle and the Rugby Football League have made a massive effort to promote the Magic Weekend throughout the city and the region.

"Posters on buses, the back of parking tickets, billboards, events guides and magazines have generated interest. The media take-up has also been impressive, with the event plastered over the front of the evening paper in Newcastle and featured extensively on local radio and TV.

"The city has seen a flood of fans decked in a multitude of shirts, from Leeds and Wigan to local amateur outfits Cramlington Rockets and Winlaton Warriors represented.

"With the sun shining, cold drinks flowing and smiling faces, it's living up to its reputation as a festival of rugby league so far."

What is the Magic Weekend?

It is a time when Britain's top-flight rugby league sides descend on one venue to play back-to-back Super League fixtures over one action-packed weekend.

The concept was launched in 2007 in Cardiff and originally labelled "Millennium Weekend" on account of it being played at the Millennium Stadium.

Magic Weekend has since been sustained by the Rugby Football League as a showpiece event, aimed at bringing the 13-man game to new territories to spread the rugby league gospel.

SWPIX.COM

It might be FA Cup final day, but surely for any fan of rugby league waking up this morning, this should whet the appetite just as much? Twelve teams, six games across two days and all at the same venue. Lovely.

We'll be with you for the whole thing, bringing you all the build up and live text commentary of the all the tries, hits and key moments from Newcastle.

Welcome to our Saturday coverage of the 2015 Magic Weekend.