TOMMY Makinson believes Magic opponents Widnes Vikings are dangerous underdogs.

Vikings have struggled of late - particularly since they lost players to injury - but they have lifted themselves against the big teams.

Even last Friday they were very unlucky not to beat Leeds after a comeback in the cup.

Makinson said: “Widnes may be sitting at the wrong end of the table but they are a much better side than they are showing.

“We speak about playing tough teams all the time and Widnes are certainly one of those.

“They will want to go to Newcastle and put on a show like we did last year. We will be looking forward to it and Justin will have us ready for it too.

“We will be going into the game with confidence but know it will be tough task.”

Makinson has some great moments at Magic - including the crash tackle against Warrington - but last year’s try against Hull stands out for him.

“There’s an obvious highlight,” he said. “I scored a pretty decent try against Hull last year that people like to talk about!

“The whole day was memorable. It was Justin’s first game in charge and everything went well. We really enjoyed it and kicked on from there.

“It was a great performance capped by a great try.

“I think the Magic Weekend is a great concept.

“I have played in quite a few and sat and watched a couple because of injury and selection.

“Sitting on both sides of that fence you see how good it is as a spectator. Playing in the event itself is fantastic.

“You never get to see 12 teams under one roof in an epic stadium so it is great.

“You have to approach it as another league game and another two points.”