Magic WKND: Philbin's favourite thing

Magic Weekend is one of Joe Philbin’s favourite weekends of the year!

The Warrington Wolves stalwart is ready to take on Wigan Warriors at the weekend, as the two rivals take centre stage on Sunday afternoon at St. James’ Park.

It’s becoming a bit of a habit having Wigan and Warrington facing off on the big stage in recent times – firstly the Betfred Challenge Cup Final last year, before a stunning spectacle in Las Vegas this March.

Now, they will meet again at Magic for the fifth time in history, with the Wolves coming into this game on the back of an emphatic Round 9 victory against St Helens.

Similarly, the Warriors enjoyed a strong win over Hull FC last Sunday, which sets up their showpiece Magic fixture quite nicely, doesn't it?

“It was a much-needed win for us against Saints, and I thought there were a lot of heroic efforts from the team,” said Philbin.

“We had players going down left, right and centre, so those are the best wins when you can come together like that and it’s good for the team spirit.

“It was my favourite performance from Matt Dufty as well.

“He can come up with all the big plays and X Factor moments he likes – including that match-winner, but when Sneyd went down and we had Ben Currie and Danny Walker at halfback, Dufty really stood up and took the leadership role.

“He’s going to be massive for us especially in the next few weeks. I think he will enjoy the extra responsibility and really rise to it so I’m looking forward to seeing this.”

Philbin, who is a one-man club, has played in countless Magic Weekends throughout his career, but never takes Rugby League’s annual occasion for granted:

“I feel lucky that I’ve been able to play at some of the best stadiums our country has to offer.

“As you get older, you often look back on your career and to be able to say I’ve played at places like St. James’ Park and Anfield is brilliant.

“I got to play against Wigan at Anfield and won there, which was very, very special. I’m a Liverpool fan and there are a lot of Liverpool fans in the Warrington team!

“But just to be on the big stage, that’s what you want to be doing as a player as often as you can! Having that big game feel is my favourite part about Magic!”

Magic Weekend returns to Newcastle in 2025 – the city that has become an absolute fan favourite for the event throughout the last decade, and Philbin is equally as pleased to be travelling back up to the Northeast:

“For personal reasons, Anfield was my favourite, although Newcastle is also amazing. My favourite part about Newcastle is that it’s right in the middle of the city.

“For example, when you nip out for a walk to get a bottle of water from the shop, you’re getting greeted and cheered by the Warrington fans – or getting some stick from some of the others, but I love all that. I love the fans in Newcastle and the banter and comrade. Rugby League people are all similar in that way – it’s all good fun.

“I’m looking forward to the atmosphere, but also the opportunities available to our players this year.

“It’s gutting that we’ve lost Marc [Sneyd] who got that horrific face injury last week and our captain George [Williams] on the sidelines – probably two of our most influential playmakers. But with this adversity, it means there’s an opportunity for other players to step up and that excites me.

“Whoever is selected to play at the weekend should grasp the chance with two hands. The lads who don’t play every week always do such an amazing job when they’re called up.

“And my number one message for them is to just enjoy it.”

For fans, Magic Weekend has always been an exciting event in the Rugby League schedule – a weekend of entertainment away in a big city watching six Super League fixtures – what more could you want?

But is it the same excitement as a player?

“I don’t think you prepare any differently for the Magic game, but you definitely look forward to it more!

“It’s like any big game – you know there’s going to be a crowd full of people that have come from all over, as well as a lot of media attention on the event.

“But that’s what you want from the game - we all want the game to grow and we’re putting our product on the big stage once again, so we’ll want to put out a good performance.

“You’re lying as a player if you don’t say it’s a different feel going into Magic Weekend!”

Wigan and Warrington have already met four times in a Magic Weekend, with an experienced Philbin the only Wolves player to have featured in all four of the previous fixtures.

Some effort!

Their first Magic staging came in 2017, and ended as an all-time classic which went down to the Wire – and finished a pulsating 24-24 draw.  

Then, one year later, it would be Wigan who claimed the spoils at St. James’ Park, 38-10, before Warrington went on to win the next two – 14-26 at Anfield in 2019 and 6-10 back at Newcastle in 2023.

“I remember them all! On the bench, on the bench, on the bench and then I started in 2021!" Philbin laughed.

“2017 was a good one. We fought back in the second half, but then Wigan got the last kick of the game, kicked it to the corner and Joe Burgess was there to score.

“That was one that got away, but I remember it like it happened yesterday. We wore the Thor superhero shirt that year and Ashton Sims was the poster boy!

“I always remember the kits from those games. Those kits have been some of my favourite ones to wear.”

Warrington posed as Thor as part of the Superheroes Magic theme in 2017, as well as Ant-Man in 2018. Both the Wolves and Warriors then marked the 30th anniversary of their match in Milwaukee with special Magic Weekend shirts in 2019.

“I always remember it being really hot weather as well and it’s always a fast game whenever we play Wigan. Hopefully the weather stays as it is this week and is good to us.”

It’s going to be their first meeting since they locked horns in 'The Entertainment Capital of the World', where Wigan produced a showreel performance at the Allegiant Stadium – winning 48-24.

“Wigan have had the upper hand in Super League recently, so it’s a good opportunity to put that right," Philbin admitted.

“We didn’t showcase ourselves how we wanted to in Vegas, but that’s motivation for Magic this year.

“Vegas had a huge game feel and was all about putting Super League on the map in a different country, but we [Warrington] didn’t really do that, which was disappointing.

“But it’s a big, big motivating point for us.”

Although overcoming the current champions won’t be an easy task, Philbin is confident his side can match their opponents:

“We’ve just got to play our game and not focus what they’re doing so much. We’ve played each other enough times to know each other’s threats and strengths.

“Wigan are a very settled team – they kick well through Harry Smith, they’ve got good forwards and then individual brilliance in Bevan French and Jai Field.

“A full team performance is going to be needed and it’s all about playing our game. The last few times we’ve played Wigan, we probably haven’t played our best game, so it’s all about doing 'us' this time.”

And a Magic Weekend never gets old for Philbin...

“The feeling never gets old; it’s just pure excitement every time! I'm a big advocate on wanting to grow the game and there’s always more we can be doing to promote the game – whether that’s on a global or national level.

“Magic Weekend is one of those big events and there’s been a lot of people who have questioned, ‘should Magic be in the calendar?’ For me, it’s one of my favourite weekends of the year. It’s a resounding yes from me!"

Having made his first team debut back in 2014, Philbin is Warrington through and through, with the hometown hero eternally grateful to be where he is today:

“I’m still grateful to this day. It means so much to me to play for this club.

“You can see the development in my character from when I first got to Warrington as a chubby 15-year-old kid to where I am now as a 30-year-old man and dad of two!

“I've met a lot of great people who have guided me to be the person I am today, and I have nothing but good memories and gratitude at the club.

“I'll pull on this shirt for as long as I am able to and for as long as I’m wanted to. I just love it. I’m lucky enough to live my Warrington dream, so long may it continue!

“It would mean to world to win some more silverware with this club, and we need to take the opportunity this year.

“We’ve got a good opportunity to get to a big dance this year. There was the Challenge Cup win in 2019 and there’s been some Grand Final appearances, but you often take it for granted when you go on a run, and I’ve personally not played in a big final since.

“I ruptured my groin two weeks before Wembley last year, which was heartbreaking, so that's my aim this year!”

But first, can the Wolves put on a show in Game 5 at Magic Weekend?

Will you be there to watch Joe Philbin and Warrington Wolves in action against Wigan Warriors?

Betfred Super League's Magic WKND returns to St. James' Park in Newcastle on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May!

With a blockbuster Betfred Super League line-up and plenty happening in and around the stadium, will you be taking full advantage of the Bank Holiday brilliance and a weekend of Rugby League’s epic extravaganza in the Toon?

Be a part of it and purchase your tickets online now!

Information regarding kick-off times can be found here, with ALL six games across the weekend broadcasted LIVE on Sky Sports.