Image source, 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."

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.

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

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).

Image source, 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.

Image source, 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).

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

Image source, @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.

Image source, 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.

Image source, @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.

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.