Holbrook looking forward to Magic return but wary of “dangerous” Widnes

St Helens coach Justin Holbrook says his side will be wary of a dangerous team in Widnes when they face off at the Magic Weekend in Newcastle on Saturday.

The league leaders take on the struggling Vikings in the first Super League match of the week, after Championship pair Toronto and Toulouse have gone head to head.

Widnes have lost six league games in a row but pushed Leeds close in the Challenge Cup last weekend, going down 23-20.

Holbrook said: “They’ve been playing really well lately and I know they’ve not been winning, but they were very unlucky against Leeds and had a couple of near misses at the end and could have got away with the win.

“They’ve been competing hard and they led Wigan 18-4 a couple of weeks earlier, so they’re knocking on the door and we need to play really well up at Magic.

“They’re still a dangerous team. We won’t change too much in the way that we play, we just need to make sure we nullify the dangerous players they’ve got.”

Saints have reported no further injuries in their squad and will wear a special kit to raise awareness of autism in aid of the St Helens Autism Support group.

Last season, Holbrook watched from the stands as his side battered Hull 45-0 days after he was given the head coach’s role.

Holbrook added: “It’s a great weekend having every team playing at the same venue, I think it’s an awesome concept and we’re really looking forward to it.

“I loved the first win there last year, so it’ll be nice to do the same.

“I think it’s great with us for autism, we do our part in trying to raise funds and awareness for it. I think it’s great that every team gets on board with causes.

“I loved the very first game and I’ve enjoyed every week since. I look back (on the last 12 months) with good memories, I’ve loved every minute of it so far and I’m just hoping for that to keep happening!”