Tommy Makinson returning to the scene that made him a Golden Boot winner

St Helens winger Tommy Makinson has more reasons than most to have a special feeling when he takes to the turf at Anfield at Magic Weekend.

Makinson, 27, scored a hat-trick for England in the second test match against New Zealand in the autumn – a feat that ultimately helped him to win the Golden Boot as the international player of the year.

He said: “It brings back good memories playing here with England, it was unreal.

“I think it was one of my wildest dreams coming in to one and it will stay in memory forever.”

St Helens round off the weekend when they take on Castleford on Sunday evening, having come from behind to win late against Salford last weekend.

It’s not the first time Saints have played at Anfield, having taken games on the road there back in 1997 and 1998.

Not only is it a first club match at Anfield for Makinson, it’s also only his second new venue for a Magic Weekend.

He added: “I’ve only ever played at Newcastle, believe it or not.

“I reckon this will be a good one. I think bringing it down here is a good move by Super League.

“It might have had a bit of criticism but after I think you will see what it will get.

“Coming to Liverpool, this place is iconic, and anytime you can get a game here it’s always nice.”

Saints are now six points clear at the top of Super League and remain firm favourites to win the title, having lost in the semi-finals last year.

At the 2017 Magic Weekend, coach Justin Holbrook watched his new side for the first time as they hammered Hull FC 45-0.

Of his coach, Makinson said: “Since he’s come in he’s given us a real lift.

“He’s a great coach and one I think everyone is starting to realise now.

“He just gets us working really hard for each other and really cares about all the lads, and we’re just all buying into what he wants us to do.”