THREE Vikings players made the trip to Newcastle to visit Cramlington Rockets ahead of Super League’s Magic Weekend.

The Vikings open Magic Weekend with a tie against the Salford Red Devils so Eamon O’Carroll, Hep Cahill and Danny Tickle visited the local rugby club on Wednesday to assist in a training session to promote Super League’s big event and the sport of rugby league.

Local side Newcastle Thunder were also in attendance at Cramlington and Vikings star Hep Cahill says it was a great event for everyone concerned.

“It was great to get back up to Newcastle. There must have been 200 kids at Cramlington and they were all really excited about Magic Weekend,” he said.

“I think all of the Cramlington Rockets teams were there - from U9s to U16s, and they were all talking non-stop about the Magic Weekend games. You can tell the excitement for this weekend is really building in the North East.”

Cahill also goes on to say that the Vikings have now got a few extra supporters from the North East too.

“They were so excited about this weekend and are all looking forward to learning from the Super League teams at St James' Park,” he said.

“But having played a bit with us tonight, they did say that they would support the Vikings so that's a bonus for us!"

The Vikings will wear a special edition shirt for the game on Saturday, with all profits raised from the shirt going to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Cramlington Rockets chairman Jeff Ball says that the efforts made by the Vikings for this weekend is something to be commended.

“We have been really impressed with Widnes Vikings’ efforts to promote rugby league in the North East,” he said.

"Last night was amazing, the kids were smiling, even the parents seemed in awe of what was happening.

"It was an amazing evening. There were over 200 Rockets here and the players made time to speak to everyone, sign autographs and take photos. This is the second time we have had Hep Cahill and the Super League trophy in Cramlington this month and we have loved every minute.

"To be able to give our members these kind of experiences at our home ground is beyond our wildest dreams and we are humbled that everyone from Widnes would make the journey up to see us.

"For a lot of our players that was their first taste of Super League. I am sure we have created some new Widnes Vikings fans!

"We are now really looking forward to Magic Weekend and especially the Saturday where I expect all our members will only be cheering for one side in particular in the first game. There promises to be plenty of Widnes black and white cheering amongst the orange and black of the Rockets!"

Tickets for the Magic Weekend are still available with unreserved seating for the day starting at £25 for adults and £12.50 for concessions. Unreserved weekend tickets are available from £40 for adults and £20 for concessions.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Vikings Superstore or calling the Vikings ticket hotline on 0151 495 2250 (option 2).

The 2015 Magic Weekend schedule in full is as follows:

Saturday May 30

2.30pm – Salford Red Devils v Widnes Vikings

4.45pm – Hull FC v Hull KR

7.00pm – Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors

Sunday May 31

1.00pm – Catalans Dragons v Huddersfield Giants

3.15pm – St Helens v Warrington Wolves

5.30pm – Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity Wildcats

Magic Weekend shirts are still available to purchase both online at www.widnesvikings.co.uk or from the Vikings Superstore located in Tesco Extra, Widnes and by phone on 0151 495 2250 (option 2).

Adult (Small – 7XL) £46.99

Junior (Age 7-13) £36.99

Mini-Kit (Age 1-6) £42.99

Ladies Fit (Size 8-20) £46.99