A RUGBY League side preparing for the sport’s Magic Weekend in the North-East hopes to garner local support with a charitable gesture.

Widnes Vikings have unveiled a special Super League Magic Weekend jersey in Newcastle United’s black and white stripes, pledging all sales proceeds to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

The Vikings, whose usual colours are black and white hoops, kick-off the weekend, against Salford Red Devils, at 2.30pm on Saturday May 30.

It is the first of six matches featuring all 12 Super League sides playing at St James’ Park over the weekend of May 30/31.

The Magic Weekend concept, which sees an entire round of Super League fixtures played in one stadium over a single weekend, began in 2007, at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, and has since been staged at Murrayfield, in Edinburgh, and Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium.

But with expansion work taking place at the Etihad, Super League bosses decided to bring the annual Rugby League showcase to the North-East for the first time.

Other fixtures include the Humberside derby, between Hull Kingston Rovers and Hull FC, a keenly awaited clash between old rivals Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors, a new pairing seeing Catalan Dragons face Huddersfield Giants, to open day two, followed by two derby matches, as St Helens face Warrington Wolves and Castleford Tigers meet Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

The new Vikings shirt, featuring the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation logo, was launched by Newcastle United football legend Peter Beardsley, with Widnes players Willie Isa, Phil Joseph and Danny Craven at a community activity day at Walker Technology College, in Newcastle.

Liz Luff, from the foundation, said: “We’re thrilled that Widnes Vikings have chosen to support the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation with their special shirt.

“Sir Bobby was a fan of many sports and I’ve no doubts he would have been interested in seeing rugby league being played at St James’ Park.”

Vikings’ Magic Weekend shirts, ranging from £46.99 to £36.99, can be pre-ordered, at www.widnesvikings.co.uk, with a £6.30 delivery charge.

Magic Weekend tickets are available from via 0844-856 1113.