Betts backs Magic concept

Widnes coach Denis Betts is full of praise and support for the Magic Weekend.

Betts, 42, believes that the unique concept is brilliant entertainment for the fans that cannot be matched.

He said: “No other sport in the world has every fan from every single club together for one weekend mingling with each other, drinking with each other, laughing, joking, having banter and rivalry. There’s no real Police presence and no hassle, people are just enjoying the sport.

“The Magic Weekend is a good way of showing what Rugby League is all about.

“The only problem is for the top sides who are still in the Challenge Cup because they haven’t had a break. If you want to be a top side though that’s the type of thing you’ve got to cope with.”

Widnes face one of those top sides at the Etihad Stadium, arch-rivals Warrington Wolves. Betts is looking to take in the positives from last week’s close encounter with high-flying Catalans Dragons.

“We got a big kick from the players last week. Even though we had a tough start we worked really hard and could’ve won the game on another day.

“Every week we look to take the positives forward and we’ve got a lot to take into the game at the weekend with Warrington,” said Betts.

Saturday’s match in Manchester will be both Betts’ and the Vikings’ first experience of a Magic Weekend.